Craig "Speedy" Claxton has received a hometown honor in Hempstead, where a street in the neighborhood where he grew up now bears his name.
Mason Street in Hempstead has officially been renamed Craig "Speedy" Claxton Way. The street is the same one where Claxton grew up, located about 3 miles from Hofstra University, where he later became a basketball star.
For Claxton, the honor provided an opportunity to reflect on the place where his journey began.
"So many countless memories," Claxton said. "Running around with all my friends and stuff. So, to have this block renamed after me, I don't want to say it is a lifelong dream, but it is a dream come true."
Claxton played four seasons at Hofstra before being selected in the NBA Draft in 2000. He was a part of the San Antonio Spurs' 2003 championship team.
He is now preparing for his sixth season as head coach of the Hofstra basketball program, leading the same team he once played for.