Coney Islands Finest

Few places in America breathe basketball like Coney Island. Tucked at the edge of Brooklyn, this seaside neighborhood is more than beaches and boardwalks. It’s a proving ground. For over 40 years, Coney Island has forged legends on its concrete courts, where hoop dreams aren’t just chased, they’re lived. Immortalized in Spike Lee’s He Got Game—a film that turned the neighborhood’s hard courts into cinematic myth—the area became synonymous with raw talent, ambition, and the pressure to make it out. Chronicled even earlier in Darcy Frey’s acclaimed book The Last Shot, the story of a young Stephon Marbury offered a real-life look at the weight placed on teenage shoulders carrying neighborhood hopes.At the heart of it all is "The Garden," the neighborhood’s most iconic playground court, where every great player had to earn their name. From sunup to streetlight, it’s where battles were fought, reputations were built, and future stars were born.

At the center of it all stands Abraham Lincoln High School, the heartbeat of Coney Island basketball. Under the watchful eye of longtime coach Dwayne “Tiny” Morton, the Railsplitters became a dynasty. Morton built a powerhouse program, capturing city titles, sending players to Division I programs, and even the NBA. His court became the crucible for greatness.

And no names loom larger than cousins Stephon Marbury and Sebastian Telfair. The Marburys and Telfairs are basketball royalty in Coney Island, a family bound by blood and by basketball. Stephon carved the path, becoming a high school phenom and NBA All-Star. Sebastian followed, a McDonald’s All-American who leapt straight to the league, carrying the weight of a name already etched into playground lore.

In Coney Island, basketball isn’t just a game. It’s history, culture, identity, and escape. The courts here don’t just produce players. They create legends.

Stephon Marbury "Starbury"

Guard, 6-3 190,

Lincoln High Class of 1995, New York Gauchos AAU, Georgia Tech

4th Overall, 1996 NBA Draft

Widely known around the neighborhood as The Chosen One or simply Starbury, Marbury’s name carried weight long before the NBA came calling. The Marburys were New York City’s first true hoops family. Three older brothers came before Stephon, each carving their own path through the city’s basketball jungle. But none made it all the way to the NBA. Now it was Stephon's turn, and the pressure was real. But you’d never know it watching him play. Confident, explosive, and cool under pressure, Stephon Marbury was the best NYC point guard since four-time All-City legend Kenny Anderson. He had to make it.

Born and raised in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn, Stephon was the sixth of seven children. He learned the game on the blacktops of “The Garden,” Coney Island’s famed playground court, where every local legend left their mark. He attended PS 329 before becoming a breakout star at Abraham Lincoln High School, the neighborhood’s basketball mecca.

While still a freshman at Lincoln, Marbury became one of the central subjects of The Last Shot, Darcy Frey’s acclaimed book chronicling the lives of several young Coney Island players chasing a way out. Even then, it was clear: Stephon wasn’t just another name. He was the one.

As a senior, he averaged 27.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 3 steals per game. He was named New York State Mr. Basketball and was heralded as the next great NYC point guard—expected to follow in the footsteps of legends like Mark Jackson and Kenny Anderson. He played AAU ball with the powerhouse New York Gauchos and was one of the nation’s top five high school recruits. In 1995, he was named a McDonald’s All-American alongside future NBA stars Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, and Antawn Jamison.

Marbury committed to Georgia Tech to play under coach Bobby Cremins and made an instant impact. After a standout freshman year, he declared for the 1996 NBA Draft and was selected 4th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks—then traded shortly after to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He wasted no time proving himself at the next level. Marbury played in the NBA from 1996 to 2009, becoming a two-time All-Star and earning All-NBA honors twice. At his peak, he averaged 20 points and 8 assists across stints with the Timberwolves, Nets, Suns, and Knicks. Fiercely competitive and nearly impossible to guard, Stephon was a problem for any defense.

But his story didn’t end in the NBA. Marbury reinvented himself overseas in China’s CBA, where he became a basketball icon. He led his team to three championships, won Finals MVP in 2015, and was named CBA International MVP in 2013. The fans embraced him like one of their own—statues were built, shoes were sold, and a legacy was cemented.

Basketball was in his blood. He was the cousin of fellow Lincoln star and NBA guard Sebastian Telfair, as well as former Providence standout and NBA journeyman Jamel Thomas. His brother Zach even played professionally in Venezuela. But it was Stephon who blazed the trail for them all.

From The Garden courts of Coney Island to the global stage, Stephon Marbury was more than just the chosen one—he was the proof that dreams born on blacktop can go the distance.

 

Sebastian Telfair "Bassy"

Guard, 6-0 170

Lincoln High Class of 2004, Juice All-Stars

13th Overall, 2004 NBA Draft      

Sebastian Telfair wasn’t just Stephon Marbury’s cousin—he was his heir. Raised in the Surfside Gardens projects of Coney Island, Telfair emerged as one of the most decorated high school point guards New York City has ever produced. The pressure of carrying on the Marbury legacy was immense, but “Bassy,” as he was known, made his own name on the courts of Abraham Lincoln High School. 

Telfair’s rise started early. He was already featured in Slam Magazine as the best 7th grader in the country and quickly became a sensation in Coney Island. He dominated summer circuits, including the prestigious ABCD Camp, where he went head-to-head with the nation’s top talent and more than held his own. Telfair was so skilled and composed, even as an underclassman, that scouts and sneaker companies began circling Lincoln games well before his junior year.

By his senior season, he was a 5-star recruit, ranked top 10 in the nation, and one of the most sought-after players in America. He graced the cover of Slam once again—this time alongside LeBron James—and played at Rucker Park for Jay-Z’s EBC team. 

"He's learning how to deal with people and deal with situations that a lot of kids his age don't have to deal with," says Dwayne Morton, the Railsplitters' head coach since 1995 and himself a former Lincoln High point guard. "I see a kid becoming a grown-up. He's making a big transition. It's good to see him mature the way he has."

At Abraham Lincoln High School, Sebastian Telfair carved out one of the most storied careers in New York City basketball history. In 2004, he and longtime coach Dwayne “Tiny” Morton led the Railsplitters to a 31–3 record and an unprecedented third consecutive PSAL championship—the only team in city history to accomplish the feat. That season, Telfair shattered records, breaking Stephon Marbury’s Lincoln scoring mark and surpassing Kenny Anderson to become NYC’s all-time leading scorer with 2,785 career points. He also set the school’s single-game scoring record with a 61-point performance. Lincoln’s roster was stacked, featuring Villanova-bound Antonio Peña, St. John’s recruit Eugene Lawrence, and athletic swingman Ryan Boatright, who later played Division I college football. The Railsplitters faced elite national competition and captured the spotlight in an ESPN game against Dwight Howard and future McDonald’s All-American Javaris Crittenton—an event packed with celebrities like Jay-Z, Derek Jeter, and Rick Pitino. That remarkable season became the subject of the ESPN documentary Through the Fire, chronicling Telfair’s final year at Lincoln and his transition to the NBA. One of his defining performances came at the Prime Time Shootout, where he scored 20 of his 26 points in the second half to lift Lincoln to a dramatic 65–61 upset over nationally ranked St. Anthony High School, a win that helped solidify his team’s place in New York City basketball lore.

He was selected to the 2004 McDonald’s All-American Game, where he competed with future NBA stars like Dwight Howard and J.R. Smith. That same year, he was named New York’s Mr. Basketball.

The ESPN documentary Through the Fire, directed by Jonathan Hock, captured Telfair’s entire senior season, including his life off the court and the realities of his neighborhood. Originally committed to Louisville under Rick Pitino, Telfair ultimately chose to enter the 2004 NBA Draft after a fatal shooting occurred at his family’s apartment complex. He was selected 13th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers, becoming one of the few players to jump directly from high school to the NBA.

Telfair’s most productive pro season came with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2007–08, where he averaged 9.3 points and 5.9 assists per game. Over a 10-year NBA career, he played for seven different teams. Injuries, inconsistency, and front office decisions ultimately kept him from reaching the heights many had predicted.

Still, the legend of Sebastian Telfair lives on. He remains a symbol of both promise and pressure—of what it means to be a New York City point guard with the whole borough watching. His story is one of talent, hype, heartbreak, and history, all born on the courts of Coney Island.

Lance Stephenson "The 8th Grader" "Born Ready"

Guard, 6-6 210, Class of 2009

Lincoln High Class of 2009, Juice All-Stars, University of Cincinatti

40th Overall, 2010 NBA Draft

Lance Stephenson first caught the attention of scouts at just twelve years old when talent evaluator Clark Francis saw him play at the Rumble in the Bronx AAU tournament. Already creating buzz before high school, he attended the prestigious Adidas ABCD Camp, where he famously challenged O. J. Mayo to a one-on-one game. As an eighth grader, Stephenson was perhaps the most hyped middle school basketball player New York City had ever seen. Originally enrolled at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, he caused a stir when he instead showed up to classes at Abraham Lincoln High School in Coney Island, sparking immediate controversy and beginning what would become a legendary NYC hoops career.

That summer, he played AAU ball with his longtime squad Team Next as well as the Juice All-Stars, a team coached by Dwayne “Tiny” Morton that played against older competition. As a freshman, Stephenson made an immediate impact, averaging 20.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

Head coach Dwayne Morton said, "[Stephenson] always talked about outdoing Sebastian, outdoing Stephon," and called him "The best I've ever had at Lincoln."

Stephenson helped Lincoln High win city championships in all four of his seasons. His sophomore and junior years brought repeat PSAL titles and back-to-back Player of the Year honors from the New York Daily News. He was the youngest player featured in the documentary Gunnin’ for That No. 1 Spot, which followed elite high school talent across the country. On February 15, 2009, in the Brooklyn borough title game, Stephenson passed Sebastian Telfair’s scoring record of 2,785 points to become the all-time leading scorer in New York State high school basketball history. He capped off his senior season by scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in the championship win over John F. Kennedy, giving Lincoln an unprecedented fourth consecutive PSAL Class AA title. He finished his high school career with 2,946 points.

Regarded as a high-profile five-star recruit, Stephenson had his choice of elite college programs and ultimately committed to the University of Cincinnati, where he played one season before declaring for the NBA Draft. Selected in the second round, he went on to play for multiple NBA teams over a ten-year career. He is best known for his time with the Indiana Pacers, where he played a key role in their Eastern Conference Finals runs in 2013 and 2014. He also suited up for the Charlotte Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, and Atlanta Hawks. His best NBA season came in 2015–2016 with the Memphis Grizzlies, where he averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game.

 

Isaiah Whitehead "The Cyclone"

Guard, 6-4 210

Lincoln High Class of 2014, Juice All-Stars, Seton Hall University

42nd Overall, 2016 NBA Draft

Isaiah Whitehead rose to prominence as a standout at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, where he became one of the most celebrated high school basketball players in New York City. A four-year All-City selection, Whitehead was the highest-rated New York City recruit since Lance Stephenson in 2009. He averaged 23.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists as a senior, leading Lincoln to the PSAL Class AA Championship in 2013. He earned the 2014 Mr. New York Basketball title and was the recipient of the prestigious PSAL Wingate Award, given annually to the top senior student-athlete in the city. His resume included a co-MVP performance at the 2013 Under Armour Elite 24 game and appearances at elite showcases like the 2014 McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. Even as a freshman, he made headlines by becoming the only ninth grader to receive All-City honors from the New York Daily News. Whitehead also played AAU basketball with the Juice All-Stars, continuing Lincoln's pipeline of elite talent.

He committed to Seton Hall University, where after battling injury as a freshman, he emerged as one of the best players in the country as a sophomore. In 2016, Whitehead was unanimously named to the All-Big East First Team and led Seton Hall to its first Big East Championship in 23 years, defeating Creighton, Xavier, and eventual national champion Villanova. He was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and helped the Pirates secure their first NCAA Tournament berth in a decade.

Whitehead declared for the NBA Draft and was selected in the second round, landing with his hometown Brooklyn Nets. Over two seasons with the Nets, he averaged 7 points per game on 41% shooting and was periodically assigned to the Long Island Nets of the NBA G League. During the 2017–18 G League season, he averaged an impressive 22.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. After a brief stint with the Denver Nuggets, he was waived and began to pursue professional opportunities overseas. Still playing today, Isaiah Whitehead continues to carve out a career internationally, representing the enduring legacy of Lincoln High basketball on a global stage.

 

The Marbury & Telfair Clan

Eric Marbury

Guard, 6-2, 190

Lincoln High Class of 1978, University of Georgia

Eric Marbury was the original basketball star from Coney Island, New York, and the first to make a name for the Marbury family in the sport. He played high school basketball at Lincoln High School, where he established himself as a standout player before his more famous cousin, Sebastian Telfair, came along. After high school, Eric went on to play for the University of Georgia, where he had an impressive college career, averaging 11.5 points, 2.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game.

In 1982, he was drafted by the San Diego Clippers in the 6th round (117th overall pick) of the NBA Draft, marking the beginning of the Marbury family's connection to the professional basketball world. Although his NBA career didn't reach the heights of some of his relatives, his success laid the foundation for the family’s continued prominence in basketball. Eric’s impact as the original Marbury talent was significant, providing a blueprint for the family’s legacy in the sport.

Donnie “Sky Pup” Marbury

Guard, 6-3, 190

Lincoln High Class of 1981, Texas A & M University

Donnie Marbury, another member of the Marbury family, followed in Eric's footsteps and became one of the early stars from Coney Island. He played for two seasons at Texas A&M, where he made a huge impact, particularly in his senior season, where he averaged 21 points per game. Known for his athleticism and scoring ability, Donnie was a key player for the Texas A&M Aggies, showcasing his talent in Division 1 college basketball.

Donnie, like Eric, played for Lincoln High School, proving that the Marbury family wasn’t just a one-off talent. Donnie's strong college career solidified his place in the family legacy as one of the first basketball stars from Coney Island, paving the way for future generations.

Norman “Jou-Jou,” Marbury

Guard, 6-3, 180

Lincoln High Class of 1990, St Francis Brooklyn

Jamel Thomas

Forward, 6-6, 215

Lincoln High Class of 1995, New York Gauchos, University of Providence

Jamel Thomas, the brother of NBA star Sebastian Telfair and cousin of Stephon Marbury, was a standout player at Providence College, where he made a significant impact on the college basketball scene.

He teamed with Stephon Marbury at Lincoln to form one of the best inside outside duos in the city. They won the NYC city crown at Madison Square Garden in 1995. He led the way with 17 rebounds. At 6-6 he was forced to play the center role in high school and largely under recruited as a result.

Over his collegiate career, Thomas’s scoring steadily improved, starting with 9.3 points per game as a freshman, rising to 14 points as a sophomore, 18.5 points as a junior, and finally averaging 22 points per game as a senior. His impressive senior year earned him All-American honors in 1999, and he was a consistent presence in the Big East, where he earned All-BIG EAST honors in both 1998 and 1999. Thomas finished his career with 1,971 points, solidifying his place as one of the program’s all-time greats.

During his time at Providence, Thomas was part of one of the most talent-rich teams in the school’s history, alongside future NBA players like God Shammgod, Austin Croshere, and Ruben Garces. In his sophomore season, Thomas helped lead Providence to the Elite Eight, where they faced Arizona in a thrilling 96-92 game that ended in Arizona’s favor.

After graduating in 1999, Thomas entered the NBA, where he played a total of 12 games across the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 seasons. He appeared in three games for the Boston Celtics, four for the Golden State Warriors, and five for the New Jersey Nets. Despite his brief NBA career, with averages of 8.5 minutes, 2.6 points, and 1.8 rebounds per game, his accomplishment of reaching the NBA remains a testament to his talent and hard work.

Zack Marbury

Guard, 6'3 185

Lincoln High Class of 1997, Milford Academy, New York Panthers, Rhode Island University

Zack Marbury, a 6'3" guard from Coney Island, New York, is the brother of NBA star Stephon Marbury. He played at Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, where he developed a reputation as a skilled point guard. After high school, Zack went on to play two seasons at Rhode Island University. As a sophomore, he averaged 15.7 points per game, and improved to 16.9 points per game as a junior. However, despite his individual success, Rhode Island struggled as a team during his tenure.

Zack's journey to college basketball wasn’t without its setbacks. His eligibility for the NCAA was initially in jeopardy, and after a failed appeal, he was declared a non-qualifier. This meant he couldn’t practice with the team or receive a scholarship, though he had been practicing with URI earlier in the year. Nonetheless, Zack showed promise and was known for his skills at Rucker Park, where he played with the Terror Squad during the early 2000s.

After leaving Rhode Island early, Zack declared for the 2001 NBA Draft but went undrafted. Though he was invited to the Portland Trail Blazers' camp as a free agent, he was cut, and he spent time with the New York Knicks’ summer league team in 2004, but that also led to no permanent opportunities. He then spent time in various leagues, including the American Basketball Association and the now-defunct Westchester League.

In the latter stages of his professional career, Zack played for the Atlanta Krunk in the Continental Basketball Association, where he had a solid season, averaging 20.8 points, 8.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 2 steals per game. Throughout his career, Zack admitted that his lavish lifestyle and lack of mental preparation held him back from reaching his full potential, even though he acknowledged his natural talent. Despite his struggles with motivation, Zack continued to play professionally, including a stint in Venezuela's basketball league.

His career remains a reminder of the challenges faced by some players, who, despite their talent, struggle to capitalize on the opportunities in front of them.

The Others

Eugene Lawrence

Guard, 6-0, 190

Lincoln High Class of 2004, Juice All-Stars, St. Johns University

Eugene Lawrence, a longtime overseas player, had a remarkable career after playing at St. John's University. He formed one of the greatest backcourts in Lincoln High School history alongside Sebastian Telfair. During his senior year at Lincoln, Lawrence was named the Most Valuable Player of the New York Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Championship in 2004. He led Lincoln to a 74-65 victory over Bayside's Cardozo High, contributing 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers. Lawrence also played for the AAU Railsplitters in 2004-2005, averaging 14 points and 6 assists.

After high school, Lawrence continued his career at St. John's University, where he became one of the top playmakers in the school's history. He currently ranks third in total assists among St. John's players. Throughout his college career, he averaged 8 points, 4.5 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Following college, Lawrence embarked on a successful overseas career. He played in Slovakia for SPU Nitra from 2008 to 2009, where he was named Player of the Year and won the Finals with his team. After that, he moved to the Czech Republic, playing for BK Prostejov from 2009 to 2011. There, he was a runner-up in the Czech League for two seasons and earned the title of MVP in the All-Star Game during his second season. His team also reached the EuroChallenge Last 16 in the 2010-11 season.

In the 2011-12 season, Lawrence moved to ČEZ Nymburk, where he won the Czech championship and was named to the All-Star Team's starting five for the second consecutive year. He later played for BC Goverla in Ukraine before returning to ČEZ Nymburk, where he went on to win three National Basketball League (NBL) titles and three Czech Cup titles in three years.

Antonio Pena

Forward, 6-6, 215

Lincoln High Class of 2005, New York Panthers, University of Villanova

Antonio Pena, a versatile 6-8 forward, played a crucial role for the Lincoln High School Railsplitters as the team's second-leading scorer and leading rebounder. His interior presence provided a strong complement to the talents of Sebastian Telfair. While Telfair was undoubtedly the focal point of the team, it didn't take long for coaches to recognize Pena's work ethic and potential. As a junior, he did much of the dirty work inside for the Railsplitters. However, after transferring to St. Thomas More and re-classifying as a junior, Pena took on a larger offensive role. Under the guidance of coach Jere Quinn, he flourished, averaging 14 points and 11 rebounds per game at the CSG National Prep Showcase against some of the toughest competition in high school basketball.

Pena’s game evolved during this time, becoming a major threat from 17 feet and in, though he did most of his damage closer to the basket and along the baseline. He wasn't known for being the best athlete, but his strength as a rebounder and physical defender set him apart. Pena played a pivotal role in helping Lincoln win the city public school championship, averaging 16 points and leading the team with his rebounding. With Telfair moving on to the NBA, Pena became a more central figure in the team’s offense.

Throughout his high school career, Pena garnered attention from several top college programs, including St. John’s, Seton Hall, Villanova, Pittsburgh, Miami, Georgia, and South Florida, all of which offered him scholarships. He was rated the 71st best player in the 2006 class by Rivals.com. Pena eventually committed to Villanova, where he would go on to have a strong collegiate career, starting 103 of his 138 games. In his senior year at Villanova, he averaged 9.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, leading the team with 235 rebounds and shooting an impressive 50.2% from the field. As a junior, he averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds.

After finishing his college career, Pena played professionally overseas and represented the Dominican Republic National Team for several seasons, continuing to develop his game on the international stage.

Desi Rodriguez,

Forward, 6-6, 240

Lincoln High Class of 2014, PSA Cardinals, Seton Hall

Rodriguez began his high school career at Frederick Douglass Academy before transferring to Abraham Lincoln High School, where he formed a close friendship with teammate Isaiah Whitehead. He credits this transfer with changing his life, as it allowed him to play against higher levels of competition. During his time at Lincoln, Rodriguez helped lead the team to a PSAL city championship and was named the title-game MVP. Although he primarily played center in high school, he rarely took jump shots and focused on dominating inside.

Rodriguez committed to Seton Hall, where he had a solid college career. In his freshman season, he averaged 5.6 points per game, but he steadily improved over the years. As a sophomore, he averaged 12.4 points, and by his junior year, he increased his scoring to 15.7 points per game. His performance earned him a spot on the Second Team All-Big East. Rodriguez's senior season was his best, as he averaged 17.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 37.9 percent from 3-point range. He was also named Big East Player of the Week in December after a stellar performance against Louisville, where he posted 29 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. He scored a career-high 33 points in an 82-77 win over DePaul in February 2018.

Unfortunately, Rodriguez injured his ankle in a game against Providence later that season and missed three games. However, despite doubts about his collegiate career, he returned for the Big East Tournament quarterfinals against Butler and scored eight points. Rodriguez's outstanding senior season earned him a place on the Second Team All-Big East. After college, he participated in the 2018 Portsmouth Invitational Tournament and was eventually added to the roster of the Clippers' NBA G League affiliate, the Agua Caliente Clippers, where he averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 49 games.

The Changing Legacy of Coney Island Basketball

For decades, Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn was a symbol of New York City basketball greatness. It produced legends like Stephon Marbury, Sebastian Telfair, Lance Stephenson, and a deep family tree of gritty, talented guards who dominated both the PSAL and the city’s streetball courts. But in the last ten years, Lincoln has gone quiet. The school that once produced NBA talent on a regular basis hasn’t had a major national star in nearly a decade.

So what changed?

High school basketball itself looks very different today. Top prospects are no longer staying in public schools. Instead, they are transferring to elite private prep programs across the country. Schools like IMG Academy, Montverde, and Sunrise Christian offer better facilities, national exposure, high-level coaching, and schedules packed with top-tier competition. These programs often start recruiting kids as early as middle school. That’s pulled much of the top talent away from traditional programs like Lincoln.

This shift has left public schools struggling to keep up. PSAL teams don’t get the same media coverage or access to development resources as national prep programs. The talent is still in New York City, but it’s not staying home.

Unless something changes—whether it’s investment in local programs or a shift back toward city pride—it’s possible that Lincoln’s run as a launchpad for basketball greatness is finished. The stories and the names will always live on, but the next generation may never walk the same hallways or wear the same jersey.

The legacy remains. The future is uncertain.

They’ll always have He Got Game, the last-second shots in packed gyms, the grainy mixtapes, the battles at the EBC at Rucker Park—and the memories of a unique, electric era when Lincoln wasn’t just a high school, it was the heart of New York basketball.

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