Jack Ryan (streetball player)
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Jack Ryan, aka "Black Jack", aka "Water", is an American streetball player from Brooklyn, New York.[citation needed] Ryan's basketball exploits began at John Jay High School, where, as a senior, he averaged 26 ppg. Ryan later took his game to East 5th St. Park in Brooklyn, where he mastered the tricks and shots he became well known for. In his first season in a recreational league at West 4th, Ryan played one game against former Detroit Piston Phil Sellers and scored 44 points.[1][dead link]
Ryan is also known for his very proficient 3-point shooting.[citation needed] According to an article written by Bobbito Garcia about Ryan in Slam Magazine Streetball Special Collector's Issue, Chris Mullin once described Jack as the best shooter he'd ever seen who hadn't played in the NBA.[citation needed] The article also states Peter Vecsey got Ryan a tryout with the New Jersey Nets in 1990, but was the second-to-last man cut, ending Ryan's NBA aspirations. Yet, Ryan still proved his mastery of the 3-point shot when he won the 2005 City Slam 3-Point Shooting Championships, which aired on ESPN. In a close final, Ryan edged out fellow streetball sharpshooter Deshun "Father Time" Jackson to take the title.[citation needed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHijMfhV1jQ&list=TL74lvsWy8GJqM-ABFRovWsEnO56UUgjL4 In the media, Ryan was featured on the cover of the New York Times Sports section on December 3, 2003, and in May 2003 was named as one of "Slam Magazines Greatest Playground Ballers of All Time."[2][dead link] While performing at NBA All Star weekend 2008 in New Orleans Ryan became a 3 time Guinness Record Holder.
Aside from streetball, Ryan has a one man show that has traveled the world performing at NBA and college half time shows, school assemblies, camps, Corporate events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday parties etc. Requests and bookings can be made through his website or through professional event planners and sports entertainment coordinators. http://vimeo.com/39274310
Ryan is described as authentic & inspirational as he performs shooting demonstrations and spins nine balls at a time! He serves as a powerful speaker for many Elementary and Middle School programs delivering a unique and interactive message to youth while entertaining with basketballs. Planners who seek fantastic performances featuring tremendous athletic skill, infectious smiles and superb basketball entertainment consistently contact Jack “Blackjack” Ryan for their events. See http://hoopwizard.com for more pictures and exciting videos!
JACK RYAN'S FILM CREDITS AND BASKETBALL AWARDS:
- 2013 Complex.com: One of “The 20 Greatest basketball players of all time not to make the NBA”
- 2013 Complex.com: Named to the list of “Top 25 Streetball Players of All Time”
- 2011 At 50 years old led West 4th Summer league in scoring
- 2010 MTV: Band Of Ballers Champion
- 2010 Converse TV Commercial: "Join The Procession" with Julius Dr. J Erving
- 2009 “Release: The Jack Ryan Story”, Documentary by Aaron Bierman & Mitchell Tannen
- 2008 THREE-time Guinness Record Holder, achieved at NBA All Star Weekend in New Orleans:
- Longest spin on toe, Longest spin on nose, Most free throws blind folded in a minute!
- 2005 ESPN: City Slam National 3-point Shooting Champion
- 2003 NY Times: Life story article, front page of sports section, written by Ira Berkow
- 2003 Slam magazine: Named “One of the Greatest Playground Ballers of all time”
- 1999 First white showman in Harlem Wizard history
- 1997 Became a member of the Harlem Wizards Entertainment Basketball, touring internationally
- 1990 Free agent with NJ Nets Basketball Team, was last cut at 29 years old
- 1980 Jack Ryan averaged 26 points as a Senior at John Jay High School Brooklyn, NY