That's when fate intervened. Attles, 82, arrived Friday for Game 4 of the NBA Finals with son Al Attles III to a warm welcome from security and arena staff. bobbleheads of his likeness. "She never mentioned Mr. Attles was her husband, and I mean, I knew [who] the Warriors were, but I didn't know any of that," Patricia said. On his right shoulder, One in a Million is written in black ink. He also didnt inundate us with a lot of technical things and paper work. A month after Juan enrolled at Montclair, Attles learned from a member of the parent-teacher association that Juan had been staying at a family members house over the holidays when an intruder shot and killed one of Juans relatives, then stole the Christmas presents from under the tree. It was very structured. When Toscano-Anderson shops at the Costco in San Leandro, strangers often thank him for organizing two protests in Oakland last spring against social injustice and police brutality. As Toscano-Anderson said, money has never been the driving factor for him. Furthermore, in 2018, Toscano-Anderson joined the G-League with the Santa Cruz Warriors, where he played for the club for two seasons. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Willhemina Attles, wife of Warriors Hall of Famer Al Attles, holds a mug signed by current Warrior Juan Toscano-Anderson and his third-grade classmates from back in 2002 when Attles was Toscano-Andersons teacher at Montclair Elementary School in Oakland. He joined the Oakland Rebels AAU team (now known as Team Lillard), and played for Castro Valley High School. All she wanted was to keep him smiling. It also unlocked his passion for basketball. What are the similarities between money and potential? After a home game last month, he returned to his apartment with his girlfriend and turned on NBC Sports Bay Area. It was 20 years ago when teacher Wilhelmina Attles, wife of former Warriors star player and coach Al Attles, encouraged Toscano-Anderson to play basketball. It wasn't until he was a bit older that he made a concerted effort to get more in touch with his Hispanic roots. Workers in S.F. That encouragement set Toscano-Anderson on a path that has eventually led with the versatile forward finding a home with his childhood team, as this past May he signed a multi-year contract with the Warriors. Stephen Curry has not only led a Warriors resurgence since entering the league, he has changed the game with his long-distance shooting. An armed policeman spotted us running around and forcefully grabbed hold of me. Point guard who starred for the Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors from 1960-1971, and coached the team from 1970-1983. Although I never quite understood the one-half-of-one-percent phrase, at five years old I understood that my father was a practical man. This is my fathers playful response when people ask how he feels about being inducted into the Hall of Fame. On Friday against Washington, players wore shooting shirts featuring Attles' likeness. What Attles didnt know then was that Toscano-Anderson was homeless. Toscano-Anderson was introduced to basketball, specifically Warriors basketball when Wilhelmina Attles -- wife of Warriors legend Al Attles and Toscano-Anderson's former teacher at Stonehurst Elementary School -- got him involved with the Warriors' youth program. So needless to say, basketball and the Bay Area are big parts of his life. It has been his entire life, as he grew up on 95th Avenue in East Oakland. My dad asked how he could help, and my mom suggested he help by giving her a break and cooking every now and then. In Game 4 of the 1975 Finals, Riordan walked up to Rick Barry and shoved the Warriors star. A film he wrote . Teacher and student lost touch, however, when he moved on to Montera Middle School. His steaks were tender, his gumbo was excellent, and his breakfasts were legendary. In 29 games, Juan Toscano-Anderson has averaged 5.0 points on 52.8% shooting, 4.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the Warriors. My mom explained that her day was exhausting, and she was tired. Santa Cruz play-by-play announcer Kevin Dana noticed what he brought to the team early-on. In all, Attles has been a Warriors employee in some fashion for 57 years, going back to when he was drafted by the team in 1960. Its a reflection of Toscano-Andersons upbringing in East Oakland, the most dangerous area of a city with 30 homicides already in 2021. Beyond Attles No . The court was renamed as Al Attles Court. I think it's the best of both worlds.". It was undoubtedly a full circle moment for both Toscano-Anderson and Attles, whose positive influence made an everlasting impact on the future of the Warriors forward. I am excited to be in Springfield. Retired teacher Wilhelmina Attles was cleaning her kitchen last month when she came across a coffee mug adorned with signatures from one of her old third-grade classes at Montclair Elementary School. (By Robert Stinnett / Oakland Tribune), Al Attles was the head coach for the Golden State Warriors during their only championship in the 1974-75 season. The doctor asked Patricias family whom he should save, if it came down to a choice: mother or son. "Juan didn't know either. Patricia was a single mother of four. Sign up for a free trial of Mark Medinas Warriors text messaging service* * *, I would go over and sit with him. "That's what makes me go.". At that time, the only NBA player he knew about was Allen Iverson.". But I never really indulged in the culture, per se. But hes home now and is getting a little bit stronger every day.. He took over as player-coach for the last season of his career, and remained as head coach until 1983 (save for 21 games in 1980). But he committed himself, learned and he became great. Similarly, Toscano-Anderson has always been a Warrior, since he was part of the organization's youth program in the third grade. On March 2, 1962, he was the team's second-leading scorer with 17 points on the night Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points. Toscano-Anderson was born and raised in East Oakland. Its nice they are recognizing someone who has been committed to the game of basketball.. src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=674090812743125&ev=PageView&noscript=1"/>. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. It changed my life, it was really exciting. The former Warriors general manager, coach and player hadn't been around much at all this season because of health issues. Well before Warriors coach Steve Kerr adopted a strength in numbers philosophy to complement his All-Star players, Attles used that concept to help the Warriors lone star in Barry. For the rest of the school year, she made herself available to Juan anytime he needed her. There were times people told Toscano-Anderson he made the wrong decision by going to the G League. While youre asleep, there is someone on the other side of the world trying to figure out a way to steal your ideas and take your money.. Golden State Warriors | ", Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk Podcast, Why JTA felt 'destined' to sign standard contract with Dubs, JTA sharesheartfelt moment with mom after contract signing. Sign me up! Golden State Warriors | And Toscano-Anderson used that as constant motivation to be at his best. [5] He intended to return to Newark and coach at his local junior high school when he was drafted by the Warriors. Alvin Austin Attles Jr. (born November 7, 1936) is an American former professional basketball player and coach best known for his longtime association with the Golden State Warriors. Ive always been a Warriors fan. pizza favorite shuts down after 13 years, plus more closings, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Not a bad story for someone who Dana says is such a great dude.. That's the first step, I've gotten through the first step to put myself in a situation to be here for another year, so now I'm working to continue and have longevity in this league.". Friends told her that he had blossomed into an all-state player at Castro Valley High School. Doing these things for his family, and simply the time he gets to spend with them, are the biggest things Toscano-Anderson had to sacrifice when he went and played overseas. Especially as he set out to start his career. To make the Santa Cruz Warriors 2018-19 roster, Toscano-Anderson needed some good fortune a timely preseason trade that freed up a contract for him. Every time he walked into that building, he got a taste of what he wanted his future to be. pizza favorite shuts down after 13 years, plus more Bay Area S.F. He immediately makes an impact as an energy dude off the bench, grabbing every offensive rebound in sight, Dana said as he analyzed the forward. Juan, he said, had a real future in basketball. Al Attles was such a player, an enforcer. My mother fielded many of the phone calls from other NBA teams executives, and watched the offers come in. Hes been in and out of the hospital in the last few recent months, Ridder said. Even then, he knew that suburbia didnt suit him. Golden State Warriors | But when Toscano-Anderson first arrived at Mrs. Attles classroom in cornrows and a Larry Hughes replica Warriors jersey, he was an 8-year-old from the urban flatlands of East Oakland in a room filled with children from the more affluent Oakland hills. Al Attles with Ben Trefny The Warriors just won their fourth NBA title in eight years - we hear from the man who coached them to their first title here back in 1975, former Warriors head coach Al Attles. But before he could play in a preseason game, Toscano-Anderson had to complete what has become a team tradition at the annual Open Practice: he had to sing. Seventeen days after her due date, Patricia went into labor. His work has been honored by APSE, CNPA and the Professional Basketball Writers Association. She missed doctors appointments. One would think, such brushes with greatness might change a person. A large part of that was because it was a space for him to let out his competitive juices -- which he's had since birth. Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast, El Viaje: JTA details his journey in proudly embracing Mexican roots. After visiting his mom in San Leandro and getting a trim at Phat Fades Barbershop on East 14th Street, he stops by his grandpas house on 95th Avenue. Attles, 36, whose father starred for the Golden State Warriors and is now an executive with the team, is getting ready to release his first feature film.. A film set in Oakland. Is Californias drought finally over? It was from Patricia Toscano. His wife, Wilhelmina, son, and Hall of Famer Rick Barry represented him during an on-court tribute after the first quarter. After being scouted and recruited, he wound up playing at Marquette University where his injuries cost him playing time through his four years. Juan Toscano-Andersons uncle Macario Toscano Jr. (center left) takes a photo with family members outside Toscano-Andersons childhood home in Oakland. I paint the city, man, Toscano-Anderson said. Former Golden State Warriors player and coach Alvin Attles and his wife Wilhelmina wave to fans along Broadway during the team's NBA championship victory parade in downtown Oakland, Calif., on . FamousBirthdays.com - use subject to the practices disclosed in our privacy policy. It was 20 years ago when teacher Wilhelmina Attles, wife of former Warriors star player and coach Al Attles, encouraged Toscano-Anderson to play basketball. According to police, after a 17-year-old alleged gang member tried to crash the party and was turned away by Toscanos father, he returned a half hour later and opened fire on bystanders, killing Toscano and wounding three others. None of this wouldve been possible without your love and support at a very difficult time in our lives, Patricia wrote. (1999) and Black Magic (2008). This happened once he transferred schools after having a knife pulled on him in second grade. And where else would he find out if he could play against the best than back home in the Bay Area? It was during the early October matchups that Toscano-Anderson made another nod to his upbringing as he changed his jersey number to 95. Mrs. Attles told her not to worry about it. He listened to rap music and spent most of his time in "the hood.". [9] He was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. And Toscano-Anderson has a similar tenacity, grit and hustle. You hardly feel out of place. The Bay Area is catching a break from winter storms. Hes here, and hes making his presence felt.. Tuesday, February 12, 2013. . Alvin Austin Attles Jr. (Destroyer. Using her sisters address, Patricia transferred Juan to Montclair only a 15-minute drive from Elmhurst, but a world away in some respects. "I think I have gone above and beyond to show that I accept who I am. His career was built on maximizing his ability and working to become efficient in areas he wasnt comfortable. My father is now 83 years old. Toscano-Anderson didn't receive interest from any NBA teams coming out of college. Toscano-Anderson grew up attending Warriors' games at Oracle Arena. Golden State Warriors | His top choice was Cal in nearby Berkeley, but his mother, desperate for him to get as far away from East Oaklands streets as possible, persuaded him to pick the Wisconsin school. He played college basketball at North Carolina A&T, and was selected 39th overall in the . Work to make people respect you, even if you cant do something for them.. I know I am Mexican. In our Oakland home, thousands of miles away from my fathers ultimate coaching triumph, I hugged my little sister, Ericka and did a happy dance with my mother. At first, it was about making the Santa Cruz Warriors during a tryout. The path from Warriors Basketball Camp to the NBA for Toscano-Anderson was far from seamless. Email: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Con_Chron, How Juan Toscano-Anderson escaped monsters of his youth to become Oaklands Warrior, How Juan Toscano-Anderson gave himself a shot at a long-term future with Warriors, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson attend Oakland protest led by Juan Toscano-Anderson, How Curry's 3-point shooting changed the game. One night, Raymond Young, the Oakland Rebels head coach, called Patricia and told her to make other babysitting arrangements. Do you understand me? he barked at the trembling guard, who apologized and slunk away. Alvin Attles wife she was my third grade teacher and I was playing soccer prior to that put me into a Warriors Camp. He tries to impact the game the same way Green does -- by doing a bit of everything. The Warriors were longshots to beat the Washington Bullets. And actually, that's what I'm about to go do. "We were houseless, we lived in a car, and from here and there to different places," Patricia said. Instead, Attles became a world champion as an NBA coach. My father is a true example of hard work, commitment and unwavering integrity. As he walks past familiar liquor stores and laundromats, he is reminded of some childhood memories that shake him to this day. I remember attending an NBA all-star game one summer at The Forum. So instead of a substantial financial increase and a promise of more executive control in a new city, my dad settled for lifelong season tickets, a small salary bump and a familiar seat in his office in the Oakland Coliseum. I thought he changed the game the other night in the second quarter with his emotion. During the 198384 NBA season, Attles worked as the Warriors' general manager. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? She was aware of the struggles the Toscano family was facing and wanted to help, so she suggested Toscano-Anderson enroll in the Golden State Warriors youth camp. Without him, she felt lost. He retired as a player after the 197071 season, and stayed on as head coach, guiding the Rick Barry-led Warriors to the 1975 NBA championship over the heavily favored Washington Bullets, making him the second African-American coach to win an NBA title (the first was Bill Russell). When he is not watching the game, Attles is catching up with a former Warriors teammate or fan. Before returning to his luxury apartment near Chase Center in San Francisco, Toscano-Anderson feasts at his favorite Mexican restaurant, Mariscos La Costa on International Boulevard. I tried to provide a shoulder, just extra love and attention.. He thanked Attles again Thursday, noting, "She just changed my life." "I need to raise the bar. Attles joined the then-Philadelphia Warriors in 1960. The time he saw a homeless man beat another homeless man with an aluminum bat on 95th Avenue. After 3 hours of labor, Patricia gave birth to a 9-pound, 12-ounce baby. BARTs second Transbay Tube could get quashed as planners scale back S.F. OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Hall of Famer Al Attles returned to Oracle Arena at long last. I remember walking to in the house one day to find Marvin Gaye sitting in our living room. NBC Sports Bay Area celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month by taking a trip south of the border to tell the story of Juan Toscano-Anderson's Mexican heritage, his experience playing professionally in Mexico and how his Oakland roots impacted his journey to the Warriors. Aug 15, 2022. My fathers nickname was The Destroyer, because of his willingness to finish a fight. He was previously the Warriors beat reporter (2016-2021) and the Cal beat reporter (2015-16). "I can get in where I fit in in the hood, and I can go to a quinceaeraand speak Spanish. After police officers broke up the dispute and left the scene, the man returned. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? Once I leave Chase Center, I can drive across that bridge and go straight home and celebrate all of this with my family. "It was like something to feed off of," the Warriors forwardsaid. "I'm sure there were some more opportunities out there for me, but this is home for me. After a long, winding, and non-traditional route, Juan Toscano-Anderson played his first minutes on the NBA hardwood in regular season action. JTA incredibly surprises camper with free trip to Cancun camp. With Ray likening Attles on-court intensity to a combination of Dennis Rodman or Russell Westbrook, the Warriors leaned on Attles to make hustle plays and knock out his opponents. She and Kansas City . In elementary school, he was encouraged to play basketball by his former teacher Wilhelmina Attles, wife of Warriors legend and Hall of Famer Al Attles. Hes been with the Warriors forever. The Bay Area will catch a break from winter storms for a couple days, but it wont last very long. Toscano-Anderson contains a similar fire to that of Draymond Green, who's considered the heartbeat of the team. Thats what kind of jump started me playing basketball. Al Attle's wife Wilhemina with children Erika and Alvin Jr. watch Game 4 of the championship series against the Washington Bullets May 25, 1975 (Photo by Terry Schmitt/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images), 1983 x 3296 px (6.61 x 10.99 in) - 300 dpi - 2 MB. "But he's. From left are Jeff Mullins, #23, and Happy Hairston, #52. Toscano-Anderson still plays with that same mindset in the NBA. He had planned to attend the party. When Al put that uniform on, he gave you everything he had, Barry said. "I feel like this situation is just destined," he said. I was just like, This is insane, Toscano-Anderson said. My mother, Wilhelmina, worked full time as a schoolteacher (almost forty years). Fueled by the desire to land a college scholarship and help his mom, Toscano-Anderson blossomed into a four-star recruit. I'm super proud of that.". Attles and his wife, Wilhelmina, reside in Oakland and have two adult children, Alvin III and Erica. He is an awesome husband, a great father, a super uncle, the best Pop-Pop, and a one-of-a-kind friend. He rushed from his interview and was soon nose -to-nose with the policeman. Several teams came looking to throw big money at him, hoping they would lure him away with more than Mr. Meuli could offer. I dont care if he doesnt remember everything. Point guard who starred for the Philadelphia/Golden State Warriors from 1960-1971, and coached the team from 1970-1983. I just, I was living in urban culture. She just changed my life, Toscano-Anderson shared. I never thought in a million years Id be playing for the Warriors, let alone in the NBA, but its exciting for myself, for my family, for my friends, and for the people of Oakland.. Playing in Santa Cruz was really cool also being back home, that was really cool, said Toscano-Anderson. He walks a little crookedly, and he struggles with his memory sometimes.