Heading into Thursday’s third game at the Danny Rumph Classic, the gym at Community College of Philadelphia was jam-packed with energy flowing through the air for the star-powered matchup between FOE and 8EYE.
Phoenix Suns guard, former Villanova guard and member of 8EYE Collin Gillespie made his Rumph debut in the game; and it was an impactful one.
Gillespie put on a show for the people in the gym finishing with 30 points, five rebounds and four assists. The NCAA and NBA Champion was awarded the Player of the Game for his performance. The showing meant a lot, but being able to be here for the cause in Philly made it even more special to him.
“Obviously it’s for a good cause,” Gillespie said. “You see it all the time guys come back and they put on for the city and do anything for the foundation. It’s special that they do this and that they were able to get this group of guys together.”
The NBA guard was eager for his debut and amazed by the energy in the crowd, despite knowing the community surrounding the Rumph ahead of time.
Gheefunny – the Emcee of the Rumph Classic – shouted over almost anything Gillespie did and helped get the crowd into the matchup with his witty comments like letting the players know that it’s “Not even worth trying to guard him.”
Gillespie has wanted to make an appearance at the Rumph since he graduated from Villanova. He wanted to show out for the city of Philadelphia and for the cause that the Rumph stands for, but it never worked into his schedule till Thursday night.
“It was special,” Gillespie said about his performance and the energy in the crowd. “I haven’t been able to play in it for the three years since I have been out of school. But it’s always fun coming back and being able to compete in front of Philly fans.”
Gillespie has a prior engagement and isn’t able to play the rest of the weekend, but he knew that when he was available for night one he wanted to make sure that his presence was known.
“Everybody shows up,” Gillespie said. “I wish I could continue to play this weekend. I knew I was going to be able to get out here for one game, so I just wanted to put on a show and try to make it fun.”
