Mott Haven community gathers for annual memorial basketball game honoring teen fatally shot in 2008

Nathan Allsbrooks Sr. said his son was walking home with a friend when he was struck in the torso by a stray bullet, in what was believed to be gang-related gunfire.

Tim Harfmann

Jun 28, 2025, 2:22 AM

Updated 13 hr ago

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The Mott Haven community gathered on Friday for the 17th annual memorial basketball game in honor of 15-year-old Nathan Allsbrooks.
The Bronx teenager had dreams of playing in the NBA before he was shot and killed in 2008.
“They say time heals,” said Nathan Allsbrooks Sr., the victim’s father. “Not when it comes to a child.”
Allsbrooks Sr. said his son was walking home with a friend when he was struck in the torso by a stray bullet, in what was believed to be gang-related gunfire.
“When I received that phone call, it felt like something left my body,” said Allsbrooks Sr.
The event was open to eighth graders and high school students, so most of the basketball players weren’t even born yet when Allsbrooks was shot and killed.
The victim’s father said he wants to keep his son’s legacy alive by offering four $1,000 college scholarships.
“We just feel like our son’s spirit is still alive through the scholarships and through the kids that play in our event,” said Allsbrooks Sr.