The Brotherly Love Pro-Am League is a Philadelphia basketball program that brings professional players and local talent together while supporting the community.
How it started: Novar Gadson and former Temple standout Ramone Moore developed the idea during the pandemic. The league began playing in 2021, with Stefan Thompson and Brett Oslon also identified as co-founders in the original reporting.
Where it began: Its first two seasons were held at the Kroc Community Center in Camden, New Jersey, because of Philadelphia’s pandemic restrictions. It moved into Philadelphia in 2023, playing at Benjamin Franklin High School.
Its purpose: Along with competitive summer basketball, the program promotes mental health awareness, supports mental health organizations, and provides food for people experiencing homelessness.
Rucker Park connection: A 2023 “Legacy Day” was announced featuring Brotherly Love League all-stars against Rucker League stars from New York.
Novar Gadson is a key person behind the program, serving as founder and CEO of the Brotherly Love League Pro-Am Foundation. He is a Philadelphia native who played at Bartram High School, Rider University, and professionally overseas.