December 2024 NBRPA Member Spotlights

NBRPA membership is comprised of a diverse group of former professional basketball players of the NBA, ABA, WNBA, and Harlem Globetrotters.

Each month, we'll spotlight NBRPA members from each league to recognize their career on the court as well as the impact they are now having in their communities.

Sam Stith

NBA

Samuel Elwood Stith was selected in the 1960 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals after a collegiate career at St. Bonaventure University. He also played in the Eastern Professional Basketball League, where in 1963 he won the league championship.

Sam Stith, a New York City native is the older brother to Tom Stith. Together, the Stith brothers helped boost St. Bonaventure basketball into the national spotlight from 1957-1960. Sam Stith was the catalyst of the defense and was the consummate “complete” player. Quick to steal the ball, he was the ultimate playmaker, team player, and leader.

Sam was inducted into the St. Bonaventure Hall of Fame in 1969, he was also selected as a member of the St. Bonaventure All-Time Team during Bona's Centennial Season. Sam was selected in the 1960 NBA draft by the Cincinnati Royals. Although he would ultimately play for his hometown New York Knicks. Stith led his team to the League Championship in 1963 during his tenure in the Eastern Professional Basketball League. 

Sam is the proud author of the book entitled, The Stith Brothers: College Basketball’s Greatest Brother Act. The book takes a deep dive into the inspiring story of basketball’s greatest brother duo, Sam and Tom Stith. Together, they scored a remarkable 53 points per game, shattered records, and made unforgettable appearances in NITs and NCAA Tournaments.

Their journey was about more than just the game — it was about breaking barriers, integrating high school and college basketball, and blazing trails for future generations. The Stith brothers' story is one of overcoming tragedy and poverty, fueled by unwavering family support, community strength, and a bond that could not be broken. 

Earle Higgins

ABA

Earle Brent Higgins spent one season in the American Basketball Association as a member of the Indiana Pacers during the 1970–71 season. He played at Casper College in Wyoming and then moved on to Eastern Michigan University. He was drafted from Eastern Michigan University during the third round of the 1970 NBA draft by the San Francisco Warriors, but he did not play for them. He is the father of National Basketball Association (NBA) player Sean Higgins.

Helen Darling

WNBA

Helen Darling grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where she attended Brookhaven High School and was named a High School All-American by the WBCA. 

Over the course of her college career at Penn State University, she became the only player to amass 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, and 600 assists for her career. Darling is also the only player in Penn State history to earn Big Ten Player of the Year honors. 

A four-year starting point guard, she helped lead Penn State to their first and only Final Four appearance in 2000. Darling would go on to earn her degree in education and receive the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as the best senior player under 5 ft 8 in 2000.

Helen was also named a Kodak All-American before playing for 10 years in the WNBA on various teams in Cleaveland, Minnesota, Charlotte, and San Antonio. 

Helen is a business owner and author of many children's books.  Her most recent books are a part of a seven-book series, titled Days of the Week, that features creative and interactive stories for its readers.  Darling also works for Nike at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, while serving as a loyal member of the NBRPA.

Helen is the proud mother of three, triplets, sons JaJuan and Jalen, and daughter Neveah, and is a mentor to many in the Women's Basketball Community. 

Otis Key

Harlem Globetrotters

Otis Key enjoyed a 10-year career with the Harlem Globetrotters beginning in 1998. Originally from Russellville KY, Key was an honorable mention all-district and region performer coming out of Russellville High School. Otis went to Austin Peay State University for 3 seasons before transferring to Lincoln University (MO) for his senior season. While at Lincoln University, Key was named All American after leading the MIAA in Field goal percentage and rebounding, and leading his team in scoring, assists and steals. After averaging 17 points, 13 rebounds a game he was invited to the HBCU All Star game in Atlanta where he was seen by Globetrotter scout and head coach Tex Harrison and Chad Groth. 

During his time with the Globetrotters, Key visited 40 countries and made numerous appearances as an Advanced Ambassador. Many of the highlights of his time was traveling to Australia, Greece and Beirut, Lebanon, on top of meeting numerous stars of stage, screen and television. He also enjoyed being on numerous TV programs including Nickelodeon’s Nic Gas, commercials for Burger King and Kraft Miracle Whip, and the nationally televised Macy’s Thanksgiving Day and the Hollywood Christmas parades.  He enjoyed making visits to schools and children’s hospitals across the country while promoting the Department of Education's “C.H.E.E.R.” program.

Currently, Otis is the head women’s basketball coach at Volunteer St Community College. In his 10 seasons as head coach, he has developed and coached 1 NJCAA All-American, 1 Freshman of the Year, and numerous All Conference performers.  Key has had numerous players move on to 4 year school after graduation to continue their education and playing careers. Prior to becoming the head coach at Volunteer St, Key was the head coach of the ABA’s Kentucky Bisons and led them to the championship in 2009. The Bisons boasted an overall record of 48-7 with back-to-back finals appearances with one championship. Key says his ultimate goal is to become an athletic director of a collegiate program or an executive for a NBA or WNBA franchise.