New Dream Court opens in honor of basketball star Andre Emmett

On Friday, August 7, 2020, Nancy Lieberman Charities, in collaboration with Toyota, dedicated the 90th Dream Court in the nation in honor of former Carter High and Texas Tech basketball star Andre Emmett. The newest Dream Court is located at the Oak Cliff YMCA, 6701 S. Hampton Rd. Through the Dallas Police Department utilizes Dream Courts for local youth programs to build teamwork, trust and strengthen the relationship between officers and Dallas youth.

Emmett and Nancy Lieberman, WNBA legend and Olympic medalist, had several conversations about donating a Dream Court in the area where he grew up, Oak Cliff because Emmett believed that it was important to give back to his community. After Emmett was killed in Dallas in 2019, Lieberman was committed to honoring Emmett’s wishes by donating a Dream Court, in his honor, at the YMCA where he would often play basketball as a child.

The Dallas Police Department has participated in the opening of Dream Courts due to their Kids and Cops Program and Police Activities League

Emmett was born and raised in Oak Cliff. He completed his formal education in the Dallas Independent School District, graduating from David W. Carter High School in 2000. He later received a bachelor’s degree in business from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas in 2004.

During his tenure at Texas Tech University, Emmett ’s basketball career excelled under the legendary coach Bobby Knight. Andre’s accomplishments upon departing from Texas Tech included being a Consensus All-American selection (2004), two-time Big 12 leading scorer, the first three-time First Team All-Big 12 Conference (2002-2004) member, NCAA slam dunk champion (2004), and all-time points leader (2,256) with most career field goals made (882). He was drafted in the second round of the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft as the 35th overall pick and played professionally with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Jersey Nets. He then played in the NBA’s Developmental League where he earned the league’s All-Star Game MVP award in 2015 before enjoying a long and successful career playing basketball overseas in Europe and Asia.

Emmett died at the age of 37 after being shot and killed in Dallas.

Written by Karrington Bradley

 

Thank you to the Nancy Lieberman Charities and Toyota for the generous donation of the 90th Dream Court located at the Oak Cliff YMCA. This basketball court was donated in honor of Andre Emmett #DreamCourts @caseyt07 @DPDCA @DallasPAL @dallasmavs @CityOfDallas pic.twitter.com/aK2EA2x7JM

— RENEÉ HALL (@ChiefHallDPD) August 7, 2020