WHEREAS, Paul Gripper graduated from Frankford High School in 1986 where he competed in both basketball and track and was a star player under famed Philadelphia basketball coach Vince Miller; and
WHEREAS, Coach Gripper made a name for himself and Philadelphia AAU basketball with his legendary RBK All Stars; and
WHEREAS, He created his Team Phenom which would go on to produce some of Philadelphia basketball’s biggest names at the high school and college level; and
WHEREAS, Coach Gripper, known to many as Uncle P or Unk P built community in the Philadelphia basketball world; and
WHEREAS, His fierce love of the game of basketball, his near blinding devotion to his players; and his support and pride for his accomplished children leaves a mark on Philadelphia and a hole in Philly basketball far too soon; and
WHEREAS, Coach Gripper’s impact on the community stretched far beyond his athletic and competitive skills as his focus on academic achievement for student athletes ensured the success of all he knew; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors Coach Paul Gripper for a life lived as an outstanding coach and mentor as a pillar of Philadelphia’s basketball community.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Gripper’s family as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body.
End