Reynoso Welcomes Alvarado Back Home

Southside has favorite son in NY Knick

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (far right) was part of the Alvarado homecoming celebration at the Williamsburg Community Center. Also pictured: Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso (far left) and Jose Alvarado (center). Photo credit: Office of the Brooklyn borough President.

New York Knicks point guard Jose Alvarado received a hero’s welcome on April 11 at the Williamsburg Community Center. Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso hosted the homecoming celebration in partnership with Grand Street Settlement, NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams.

“Both Jose and I are proud sons of the Southside of Williamsburg, and this celebration is all about showing the next generation of children from our neighborhood what’s possible with the help of hard work and your community. I’m so excited to welcome Jose back home, and I cannot wait to see all that he accomplishes as a New York Knick,” said Reynoso. He also gave some context to Alvarado’s success, “He didn’t’ let the circumstances by which he was growing up define him. He grew up in public housing, at South 9^th and Berry, and look at where he is now.”

268 community members – mostly young people – met with Alvarado, got his autograph, and received New York Knicks swag provided by Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation. Both Reynoso and Williams presented Alvarado with proclamations marking his return to New York City.

“I show my love for this city every time I step on the court, and today was an important reminder of how much this city and Williamsburg mean to me,” said Alvarado.

“Stars are born in Brooklyn, and Jose Alvarado has long proven himself one,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso (left) to NY Knick Jose Alvarado (right). Photo credit: Office of the Brooklyn Borough President.

As of this writing, Alvarado was pivotal in the Knicks playoff win against the Atlanta Hawks on April 25. This evened up the series giving the Knicks two wins against the Hawks two wins. The teams play next in NYC on April 28 in their aim for the best of seven games.

Jose Alvarado began his basketball career playing for Christ the King Regional High School in Middle Village, Queens. In February of this year, Alvarado was acquired by the New York Knicks. He had been playing for the New Orleans Pelicans since 2021.

“When someone who grew up on these same blocks comes back to give back, it leaves a lasting impression. I am proud to celebrate Jose’s homecoming and the young people who will walk away from today believing their dreams are within reach. Let’s Go Knicks,” said Gutiérrez.