Buffalo’s Best /The road to the Hall of Fame
McKinley, Canisius showcased Hall
This is the sixth in a series of stories on the 2008 inductees into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame. The installments will appear in Saturday’s editions of The Buffalo News.
When this year’s NBA draft picks were just twinkles in their parents’ eyes, “Sugar” Ray Hall was breaking records at McKinley High School. Hall’s next accomplishment will be his induction to the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame in October. He said that is a feat that has been sitting on the top of his list for years.
“Not that I look at others to be less important,” Hall said. “But this one you’re in there with a bunch of distinguished folks that are tops in their fields.”
By the time he had graduated from high school in 1981, Hall was the all-time scoring leader in Western New York, tallying 1,794 points, and the owner of three school MVP awards. He also collected a silver medal at the Empire State Games, was named a high school All-American, and was a finalist for USA Player of the Year. He was beaten out by Patrick Ewing.
“A guy by the name of Dwayne Love gave me my nickname,” Hall said, laughing, “because of the moves I had on the court. I asked him, ‘Are you sure it’s just on the court?’ You’re talking about a local, homegrown kid here.”
After arriving at Canisius College in 1981, Hall added ECAC North Atlantic Conference Rookie of the Year to his resume. The remainder of his collegiate career proved to be just as notable. He was deemed his team MVP three times, named captain his senior year of an NIT team, and to this day holds more records than any other player in the history of Canisius men’s basketball. Hall is the only Golden Griffin to score more than 2,000 points in a career, and tally more than 50 steals and 550 points in three seasons.
Hall was selected in the fifth round of the NBA draft by the Utah Jazz. Though he didn’t make an NBA team, he played professionally for eight years in the Continental, International, Philippine and Federal International leagues and in the World Basketball Association. He was named to the Continental Basketball Association’s All-Star team in 1988 as well as the slam dunk runner-up. He also holds the record for most free throws in a CBA game with 25 out of 25.
His career ended 14 years ago after a car accident. Hall has resettled in Buffalo, working at Ingram Micro as an inside sales representative. He has three children — ages 7, 11 and 14 — whom he encourages to play basketball, not only to stay active but also for the life lessons he said athletics teach.
“They’re doing exceptionally well in school, but I want to make sure they get some athletics in their schedule,” he said. “It brings in teamwork, and introduces you to all colors and walks of life. [Basketball] is a great thing to have in your background. One, it’s keeping your body physically fit and prepares you for a lot of things that will happen in life.
“You are [more] easily able to adapt to things than folks that haven’t played sports.”
Hall’s affection for the area is rooted in the love he received when he was in high school. Former Mayor Jimmy Griffin recorded on tape every major politician in the area urging Hall to remain in Buffalo and make the city proud. He said he not only wanted to stick by his local family, but also give his former Canisius coach, Nick Macarchuk, something to be proud of.
“This is what it’s all about,” Hall said. “Could I have left Buffalo like many athletes have? Absolutely. But I chose not to do that. I chose to let Nick have a Coke and a smile and stick his chest out.”
After being out of the game for nearly two decades, Hall said he looks back on his career knowing he accomplished more with basketball than he ever could have with another path in life, but things do not begin or end with the sport alone.
“I think it was a great ride, and the roller coaster continues to keep moving,” he said. “I’ve never asked anyone for anything. I was a student first and an athlete second, then I did my thing. People remember that if you do good things and keep your nose clean, good things will come your way.”
