Meridian Native and Former NBA Player honored in The Queen City

Today Meridian residents gathered at Highland Park to honor Meridian Native and former NBA player Derrick Mckey. Today is a dedication ceremony for Mckey as the basketball courts were renamed in his honor. Mckey is the first player from Meridian to ever play in the NBA.

"Today we have a Dedication Ceremony for our basketball courts here in Highland Park. And we're going to name the courts after Meridian Native Derrick Mckey, long-time NBA superstar, a person who has come back to Meridian, you know, year after year, every summer, and do free camps and give him back to his community, you know, for the kids," stated Thomas Adams, Director of Parks and Recreation.

McKey is very known and active in the community many former classmates, teachers and local residents came out to show support.

Former Classmate Crustal Hardy said, "Derek Mckey is a longtime family friend. He, of course, is an alumnus of meridian high school. And we are just so proud of how he's contributed to the community for years. He's giving back. Everybody knows dee as the quiet, gentle giant. He's always the same. He's consistent. And we're just so proud of him. And we're happy for the community."

"The great thing about derrick is the fact he's never forgotten where his home was. He's never forgotten where he came from. And he's always given back. And like I said, he's a man of few words, but his actions speak louder than words," stated Billy Clearman, Mckey's Former High School Coach.

Mckey says although his name is on the sign today was not about him but his community.

"It's about the people who raised me. It's about the young kids who have the opportunity to see this and see that a lot of things can't be accomplished if you just take your time and stay the course, you know after you plant a seed it sometimes it takes a little longer for that flower to grow. So you have to be patient and do the right things." stated Mckey.