About Biddy Basketball
Biddy Basketball was originated in 1951 by Jay Archer, Executive Director of the Youth Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The game of Biddy Basketball was developed to teach both boys and girls the skills and fundamentals of basketball. Instituting the concepts of an imposed height limit, shorter goals and a smaller ball made the game of basketball competitive for younger players. By the mid 1950’s, Biddy had spread nationwide with tournaments held to determine a national champion for twelve year old boys. The U.S. government recognized the value of Biddy and sent Jay Archer to South America and Asia as a good-will measure to conduct basketball clinics and begin Biddy programs. Jay Archer’s dream came true in 1967 with the first International Tournament in which teams from 10 nations and commonwealths participated.
Henry “Dunk” Beter became Director of Biddy Basketball in 1970 following the loss of Jay Archer. As a former Director of the New Orleans Recreation Department, “Dunk” was well aware of the value of youth sports in the development of a child’s character and physical capabilities. Biddy continued to grow under “Dunk’s” leadership with the addition of the boys 8 and 10 year old age bracket, as well as, the girls division.
Following “Dunks” retirement in 1966, Firmin Simms, who had been active in coaching for the New Orleans Recreation Department since 1955, as well as, serving as Assistant Director of Biddy under “Dunk” Beter, assumed the role as Director. As an active advocate for youth sports, Biddy Basketball continues to thrive under his direction and we continue to see many Biddy athletes progressing into the high school, collegiate and professional ranks.
Biddy Basketball is very fortunate to have many outstanding volunteers and coaches who recognize the worth of the program and are helping to continue the vision of Biddy Basketball. Their hard work and dedication enable Biddy Basketball to flourish and to continue the development of basketball skills in young athletes. With God’s continued blessing and love, Biddy will continue to serve millions of youngsters throughout the world.
President/National Director
Fred Gulley
Director/Texas
USA
Ronald Barnett
Director/Indiana
USA
Vice President
Pyry-Matti Vasama
Director/Finland
Northern Europe
Lumon May
Director/Florida
USA
Assistant Vice President
Sandy Guidry
Director/Louisiana
USA
Peter Vardakas
Director/Pennsylvania
USA
Assistant Vice President
Byron Alexander
Director/Missouri_Kansas
USA
Ricky Cooke
Director/New York
USA
Biddy Basketball was originated in 1951 by Jay Archer, Executive Director of the Youth Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania. The game of Biddy Basketball was developed to teach both boys and girls the skills and fundamentals of basketball. Instituting the concepts of an imposed height limit, shorter goals and a smaller ball made the game of basketball competitive for younger players. By the mid 1950’s, Biddy had spread nationwide with tournaments held to determine a national champion for twelve year old boys. The U.S. government recognized the value of Biddy and sent Jay Archer to South America and Asia as a good-will measure to conduct basketball clinics and begin Biddy programs. Jay Archer’s dream came true in 1967 with the first International Tournament in which teams from 10 nations and commonwealths participated. Below are lists of some of the Biddy Basketball players whom over the years have gone on to play sports on the collegiate or professional level.
Current NBA Players
- Darryl DJ Augustin
In 2008 DJ was drafted 9th overall by the Bobcats and now plays for the Pistons. - Tyreke Evans
Tyreke currently plays for the Pelicans and was drafted 4th overall in 2009.
Past NBA Players
- Gregory Dreiling
He had a 10 year NBA career with the Pacers, Mavericks, and Cavaliers. - Maurice Evans
Maurice is known best for his strong defense and athleticism. - Randy Livingston
Livingston attended Isidore Newman School along with QB Peyton Manning. - Kerry Kittles
Kerry was raised in New Orleans and attended St. Augustine High School. - Darnell Valentin
Darnell began his career playing Biddy Basketball in 1971 at the age of 12. - Deron Washington
Deron was drafted by the Pistons in the second round in 2008. - Chris Duhon
Chris Duhon began his biddy career in New Orleans, LA. - Avery Johnson
Avery Johnson began his Biddy career at the age of 12 in 1977. - Larry Bird
Larry was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a player in 1998. - Julius Erving
Erving was named to the NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time team and in 1993. - Antoine Carr
Antoine had a 16 year NBA career and was known for wearing goggles.
College Players
- Jamie Thompson
Fifth leading scorer in Shocker basketball history with 1,359 points. - Kimmo Muurinen
He is a Finnish player who currently plays for Skyluners Frankfurt. - Tuukka Kotti
Kotti attended Providence and played basketball there from 2001 to 2005. - Shane Foster
Shane is Vanderbilt’s all-time leader in points and three-pointers made. - Stacey Gaudet
She was inducted into Tulane’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. - Dwight Lewis
After high school Dwight attended the University of Southern California. - Biko Paris
Biko Paris began playing Biddy Basketball at the age of six. - Jaeson Maravich
Has been coaching camps and training kids for the past 9 years.
Other Players
- Petteri Koponen
Petteri Koponen is a Finnish professional basketball player for Khimki. - Mark Standiford
He is considered the most prolific power hitter in Shocker baseball history. - Gregg Popovich
He is a 5x NBA Champion as a Coach and won the 2014 Championship. - Darren Dreifort
Dreifort was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2009. - Barry Sanders
Barry was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Monthly updates

By Author
The Character Champions Hall of Fame has been created to recognize and honor our Biddy coaches, players and parents that embody the core values and purpose of Biddy Basketball in their everyday lives.

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Our coaches and board of directors believes that organized team sports provide kids with a way to excellence. They can get a sense of accomplishment and achievement through learning more about basketball along with vital life skills.

By Author
Biddy Basketball partners up with the New Orleans Pelicans for a special night each season. They get to meet the Pelicans players and shoot hoops with them. They stand out on the court to welcome the team at the start of the game. It’s a one of a kind experience you don’t want to miss.