Members of the Bronx community came together in Melrose Friday to honor Brandon Hendricks on his birthday with a basketball tournament.  

Hendricks was a former basketball player from the borough who was fatally struck by a stray bullet in 2020 just days after graduating from high school.  

The tournament kicked off in the morning and was an all-day affair that included players from high school, college, and even some professional players from overseas. Some of the college players present were friends and classmates of Hendricks.  

Friday, July 7 would have been Brandon Hendricks’ 21st birthday, and many who came out for the tournament say it’s about much more than basketball.  

“Know that in every impoverished neighborhood, there’s one person that the community cares so much about… even if they’re not here with us, we should still try to live their legacy,” said Francisco Infante, who was Hendricks’ mentor. 

Hendricks lost his life just one week shy of his 18th birthday. Eve Hendricks, his mother, is celebrating despite still facing the pain of losing her son. 

“My son lived a good life. He was a good son… for him to be taken, it’s just a tragedy,” said Eve Hendricks. “We need communities to see that we can live in peace.” 

Eve Hendricks says they’re able to accomplish just that by bringing the community together through food, music, and the game her son Brandon loved.