By Sadef Ali Kully
Royal Ivey, assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Blue basketball team who was raised in Hollis, will be featured in a three-part short documentary Dec. 20 and Dec. 26 on ESPN.
Process, a New York City-based film and branded content production company, recently collaborated with Adidas and ESPN Films to create “Pioneers,” a series of three cinematic short documentary films.
“While each of the films is distinctive, they all deal with original thinkers, all people who charted unique paths and live outside conventions and rules,” Tim Perell, CEO of Process, said.
The short film “Royal in Hollis” tells the story of former NBA point guard Royal Ivey from his upbringing in Queens to being the 37th pick of the 2004 draft, to being NBA journeyman — from a player to a coach — and a community leader .
During his NBA career as a player, Ivey went on to join Atlanta Hawks, the Milwaukee Bucks , the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder. His parents, Jennifer and Rod Ivey, who still live in Hollis, appear in the film.
A 30-minute compilation of all three shows will air on ESPN Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. EST and on ESPN2 Dec. 26, at 2 p.m. EST.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
