The funeral for Brooklyn native Kinu Rochford was standing room only at a mosque on the corner of Bedford Avenue and Fulton Street.
Hundreds of people — from all faith backgrounds — attended to show their love for Rochford. He was shot and killed Friday night on a Harlem basketball court.
What You Need To Know
The funeral for Brooklyn native Kinu Rochford was held at a mosque on Thursday
He was shot and killed Friday night on a Harlem basketball court during a tournament
The 35-year-old played basketball for Fairleigh Dickinson University and had played professionally for several European teams
The NYPD said no arrest has been made, and no description of the suspect has been made public either
The 35-year-old played basketball for Fairleigh Dickinson University and had played professionally for several European teams. Rochford, who stood at 6’6″, was remembered by his godmother Roxanne Small on Thursday.
“He was definitely a gentle giant, in all respect to the word, he was big, he was big in heart, tremendous love of faith and family, so to sum it up, I would say, he was a gentle giant,” she said.
Moses Wheeler, Rochford’s mentor who helped coach him after his high school career, told NY1 that he had the culture of basketball in his heart.
“He didn’t have it so early, but then he developed it later on, and then he just exceeded all expectations of his work ethic, and his ability was just unmatched,” said Wheeler.
Rochford’s abilities were on display Friday night at the opening game of the Kingdom Basketball Tournament on Lenox Avenue and 115th Street. He was attending the competition with his son when he was shot in the head, according to authorities.
Police said two other people were also shot and taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Rochford is a triplet — he has a sister and a brother who spoke at the funeral.
“He was a wonderful brother. His smile could light up any room. He had a way of bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome, and left a lasting impression on everyone around him,” said Kairo Rochford, his brother, who was reading a letter on behalf of their mother, who was also at the funeral.
Kinu Rochford worked for the nonprofit Win, which provides family and supportive housing for the homeless. Wheeler said what’s bringing him comfort is knowing his former mentee impacted so many lives inside and outside of basketball.
“You see, the love that he brings out in everywhere he goes and each community that he goes in, it’s a magnetism that he brings about himself that is very special,” said Wheeler.
Malik Jenkins first met Kinu Rochford when he was around 18 years old. The two played basketball from college through their professional careers.
On Thursday, Jenkins called Kinu Rochford a great friend and a rival.
“He was more than a friend; he was a brother to me,” said Jenkins. “The people that he touched on a daily basis, it shows, everyone is here and paying their respects to our brother Kinu Rochford.”
The NYPD said no arrest has been made, and no description of the suspect has been made public either. The investigation is ongoing.