Gems in the ROC

BASKETBALL interviews
from Ballers all over sharing game.

05/15/2026

Darrell Barley strikes a pose for Gems in the R🏀C

After the final buzzer sounded in a Unified Basketball matchup between Edison Tech and East High, the scoreboard didn’t matter — the moment did. 💙🏀

I had the honor of sharing the court and a postgame moment with Rochester legend Darrell Barley — Class of 1996, Canisius College Hall of Fame inductee (2006), and a true embodiment of what the game gives back.

From leading Canisius as a senior captain to a 1996 MAAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, to earning First-Team All-MAAC honors, Barley’s legacy runs deep. His journey includes postseason runs, the unforgettable “One for the Thumb” championship story, and professional experience in the CBA. But what stands out even more is who he is beyond the game.

After his playing days, Barley poured that same passion into coaching at East High — shaping young lives, just like the ones we witnessed today in this special Unified Basketball program. A game built on inclusion, sportsmanship, and joy — where every bucket, every pass, and every smile matters.

Gems in the ROC is all about — highlighting local legends, preserving basketball history, and inspiring the next generation to understand that the game doesn’t end when the sneakers come off… it evolves.

Much respect to Darrell Barley — not just for what he accomplished on the court, but for the lives he continues to impact off it.

05/15/2026

Peep it.... Flashback Friday
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/17QyvffMZq/

05/14/2026

🔥 Chaz Briggs & James Reaves 🙏🏽🔥 Rochester Gems

05/06/2026

Unified Basketball 🏀 🙌🏽 2026 spreading Gems

04/25/2026

A must see Documentary 🎬
If you seen it already, please share your thoughts.

If you're into true crime, sports, or just love a good story, check out the documentary 'Bad Sport'! It's got six wild stories at the intersection of sports and crime, including the Arizona State University basketball point-shaving scandal featuring Stevin 'Hedake' Smith. Anyone else think this sounds like a gripping watch? 😮 "

03/24/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CUaBvsqyB/

03/21/2026

🫡💯🙌🏽💪🏽

03/21/2026

💔

We remember Kenny Jones, a legendary coach and mentor, who recently left us far too soon. Kenny's impact on the community was immeasurable, but he's perhaps best known for leading his team, Kenny's Kings, to dominance on the courts of Brooklyn. Who can forget the magic of Soul in the Hole, the iconic streetball tournament where Kenny's Kings reigned supreme? 🏀

Kenny's passion for coaching was like no other, going above and beyond for his players off the court and on. He kept them playing at a high level, pushing them to be their best. One of those players was Edward "Bo**er" Smith, a prodigy who found solace in the courts. Balling since age 9, Bo**er's natural talent for handles and court IQ made him a standout, even at just 5'9". His story, captured in Danielle Gardner's documentary Soul in the Hole, showcased his resilience and Kenny's unwavering support.

R.I.P Coach Kenny Jones
Kenny Kings basketball 🏀

03/21/2026

💔 R.I.P Kenny Jones

His true passion was mentoring the youth. He assembled numerous high flying teams that were dominating in the early 90s, cementing Kenny's Kings as a team to go down as force in Nyc's basketball history.

Kenny's legacy lives on through the lives he touched, friends family and countless others. We'll celebrate his spirit, love for the game, and commitment to the youth. Rest in peace, Coach Kenny. Your legend will live on. 🙏🏽
Thank you for sharing Gems