BUSHWICK (WABC) — Brooklyn is celebrating one of its own Saturday as Knicks guard Jose “GTA” Alvarado is honored with a street co-naming ceremony in the neighborhood where his basketball journey began.
The ceremony is set for 3 p.m. at Knickerbocker Plaza, at the intersection of Knickerbocker and Myrtle avenues in Bushwick. Community leaders and Knicks fans are expected to gather to recognize Alvarado’s contributions on and off the court while celebrating the team’s historic NBA championship run.
Alvarado, known across the NBA by his nickname “Grand Theft Alvarado” for his knack for surprising opponents with steals, grew up in Williamsburg and emerged as a standout player at Christ the King High School in Queens. Former coach and principal Joseph Arbitello previously described Alvarado as a relentless competitor whose work ethic helped transform him into one of New York City’s top basketball prospects.
After starring at Christ the King, Alvarado went on to play at Georgia Tech before reaching the NBA. He later fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the Knicks, the team he rooted for growing up in Brooklyn.
The street co-naming comes as Alvarado’s profile has soared following the Knicks’ championship season, cementing his status as a hometown favorite and one of the city’s most beloved basketball success stories.
Council Member Sandy Nurse announced the event, calling on Knicks fans to attend and help celebrate Brooklyn’s own. The ceremony will take place Saturday afternoon at Knickerbocker Plaza in Bushwick
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