By Julia Willis Young Eagle Contributing Writer
Bill Patterson, a native son of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a living legend in Dallas, and the world of basketball, proudly presents his 40th Annual World Famous Basketball Classic, August 3-5, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. This event has been proclaimed “The Tournament Moses Malone Built!”
Who brings an annual basketball tournament to Dallas, Texas, every year for 40 consecutive years? It’s someone who happily continues to spend immeasurable time channeling his skills and abilities to generations of young, talented players who share his enthusiasm for basketball. That person would be a former player and lover of the game! Bill “Sweety” Patterson, also known as “Po-Bill”, is the living legend and inspiration of this feat.
Bill was an aspiring professional round ball player himself, catching the eye of basketball coaches while playing at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Tulsa, during his years at Carver Junior High, Bill was introduced to coaches at Holy Family Catholic School by a Roman Catholic Priest, Father John Stirmiske. Joining the basketball team at Holy Family where he amassed an amazing basketball record, averaging thirty-five points a game, also placed Bill as one of the first Black students to attend a white school in Tulsa’s segregated school system in 1955.
After one season at Holy Family, Bill transferred to Booker T. Washington High School, where he graduated in 1958. He immediately fulfilled his obligation to serve in the military and completed the required tour of duty with the US Army.
Upon his return to Tulsa, Patterson joined the world-renowned Harlem Magicians owner, Marques Haynes, former player with the Harlem Globe Trotters and basketball hall of fame recipient. Patterson also played with the Harlem Road Kings, which was owned by the “Clown Prince of Basketball” and hall of famer, Reece “Goose” Tatum.
Professional players who pursued the field of sports received the fame and accolades but were not well paid for their efforts, back in the day. Consequently, Patterson’s basketball career, although projected to be spectacular, was cut short by family commitments, and full-time employment obligations.
In 1966 when a promotion with Kinney Shoes offered the opportunity to relocate from Tulsa to Dallas, as the first Black salesman, Po-Bill seized the chance to do so. Soon afterwards, Po-Bill accepted another promotion, becoming Dallas’ first Black manager at Kinney Shoes in 1967.
Bill formed a team sponsored by Kinney Shoes and competed on various men’s leagues in Dallas. Patterson’s basketball skills continued to impress crowds with trick shots and superb balling during the ensuing years. Basketball became Patterson’s avocation, which evolved into the World Famous Basketball Classic, an annual tournament.
Moses Malone was the first professional player who saw Bill’s vision and became an avid supporter of the annual tournament. Malone played in numerous World Famous Basketball Classics promoted by Po-Bill, along with several other pros such as Dennis the “Worm” Rodman, Karl “Mailman” Malone, Clyde Drexler, Spud Webb, John Starks, Lee Mayberry, Richard Dumas and Wayman Tisdale, to name a few who spent their time, talent, and treasure to support this annual event over its forty year span.
Although the early years of this tournament brought challenges to this novice promoter, Patterson proved to be a quick study who developed competitive improvements, such as replacing trophies with cash prizes. His unique and innovative changes to the basketball circuit spurred team interest and raised the bar, ensuring increased success that continued year after year.
Po-Bill was asked why he started the tournament and why he continues to do it. He simply replied, “For the love of the game!” Staying directly connected, while extending opportunities to up and coming young players who have the talent, drive and passion for the game, enables Patterson to give back to the community as well.
Another key player, who has been spinning music for this event for the past thirty-five years, David “DJ Wolfe” Jones of Tulsa, returns to pump up the volume and keep the tunes hot. The enthusiastic crowd of spectators and eager team contenders are ready for another exciting weekend of impressive basketball competition, complete with professional ball players, those aspiring to go pro, and others who play just for the love of the game.
