9/11

The 2001 SlamJam Women's Basketball Classic Summer Junior High School League had recently completed, and the Sixth Annual 2001 Fall High School Classic was about to begin when SlamJam Women's Basketball Classic Commissioner Clyde Frazier Jr. was among the lost in the 9/11 World Trade Center Attack. Mr. Frazier,then 41, worked as a state tax investigator in the World Trade Center but was better known as the founder of the SlamJam Women's Basketball League.

Clyde Frazier Jr. was loved by the basketball community. Following are excerpts from our message and guestbooks at that time. For those new to the basketball high school or junior high school community, these are the messages from the players, parents, coaches, supporters and friends who were active in the basketball and general community at that time, the Fall of 2001.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 12Sep 2001  Shantay George   I just read the remarks posted above the site and would like to send my condolences to his family and friends of which I considered him one. Thinking that since I live uptown that I couldn''t and wouldn''t be affected its humbling to know that it is really affecting everyone here in New York City.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 13Sep 2001   Rocky  My hope's and prayer's are definitely with Clyde. He's been a blessing to me while playing for him and coaching in his league. God Bless him and his family. Love Rocky
-&- the Lady Mustangs

From the guestbook: Original date of message 13Sep 2001   Karen Mobley  Please keep me informed as to what has happened to Clyde during this crisis. If you need any help for a distant friend don't hesitate to let me know.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 14Sep 2001   Ashley R  I hope that Clyde is alright and safe, god bless him and his wonderful family....May god be with him and his family during this time of tragedy.......Always-&-Forever Ashley Ruballo Kline

From the guestbook: Original date of message 14Sep 2001  Joe Glus  JT.Glus@News12.com I have interview Mr. Frazier Many Times and his Father as well Please God He will be Found ok I wish for someone to Call me at (718)861-6802 All my Best to Mr. Frazier's Family Joe Glus New 12. Sports

From the guestbook: Original date of message 17Sep 2001  Linda M. Williams willialm@washpost.com  I only met Clyde once through a friend in New York in May of this year. My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. I pray that God will bless and comfort you in these perilous times.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 18Sep 2001  RIVERSIDE CHURCH  The Riverside Church Family would like to send our prayers and thoughts out to Clyde and his family. Slam Jam has touched the lives of many of our young ladies. He has helped and influenced many of them and me as well (Shantay). I'm not giving up hope because miracles do happen. Clyde will forever be in our minds and hearts.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 19Sep 2001  marissa  Dear slamjam: Clyde wasn't any basketball organizer. He was a great basketball organizer. He made a web site, talked to the kids, and put an impact on our lifes. I've known clyde for at least 2 years and he's been a big factor in my basketball careers, every year he makes me want to come back and ball because he's the hype/joker of slamjam. Off the court clyde was a hard, dedicated man, who loved to teach us youngster a lesson of life and to always be there for an open ear. Clyde has never let me feel down or sad when I was in his present he always lend a helping hand to a problem. I personally hope clyde is alright When i heard he was missing tears started running. i didn't know what to think. all i could do was pray, but my regards go out to his family and friends. God bless and i hope clyde will be found.  please contact me by email if you get any good news thanks miss Anne. for filling us in! your a big help.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 19Sep 2001  SuPeR wOmAn Ontario Canada  I am so sorry about your loss. He seemed like a really great guy and I know that if he didn't make it, God will definitely reward him in heaven! God Bless, And I'm praying for you all AMY Ont., Canada

From the guestbook: Original date of message 20Sep 2001  Lawrence Wallace LIL   I just wanted 2 say I hope yall girls b auright cause me and Clyde was cool and materfact me and him was gonna make up some plans 4 us 2 play but u know already i luv u man were ever u at yall holla at LIL1 and thats 4 shore holla at LIL1

From the guestbook: Original date of message 26Sep 2001  Lehman Basketball  http://www.lehman.cuny.edu/The Lehman College Women's Basketball Program would like to extend our prayers and thoughts to Clyde Frazier Jr. and his family during this time. Many members of the Lehman team have participated in the prestigious Slam Jam tournaments and thank Clyde for the experience. Our thought are with the Frazier family.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 29Sep 2001  snake swoopesdahotgrl@aol.com Today was a wonderful day at Slam Jam's Fall classic and i would like to thank everyone that made it possible for us young ladies to play today. That was a beautiful memorial that was held between the games. And God bless CLyde Frazier Jr. and Sr and thank you. snake   douglass panthers

From the guestbook: Original date of message 20 Oct 2001  shanekqua campbell i want to say my prayers go out to his family and friend, Clyde was a very nice man and person, over the yrs of knowing him he made me feel special and he made me feel like he was my father which really made me so happy. PS this is shanekqua Campbell AKA shac and i want to say thank you Clyde for being part of my life and playing a big part in womens basketball you help so many people and i want to say thank you for being who you was a father and a friend

From the guestbook: Original date of message 06 Oct 2001  Jade Gardener  Slamjam is a great tournament and Clyde does a great job. It's a honor to play every year with The Douglas Panthers and I hope this foundation that has been laid remains strong. May god bless all involved.Amen.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 11 Oct 2001  Diane Temple   I was sitting here thinking about Clyde and missing him, when I decided to visit his website. I am so happy to see that he was so cherished. I see that I am not the only one who thought he was such a great guy. I never knew that he touched so many people in so many ways. This is an excellent way to pay tribute to such a sweet person. He always left you with a positive word. He truly was loved...

From the guestbook: Original date of message 17 Oct 2001  nastassia boucicault My condolences go out to Clyde and the rest of his family. As others say, he was a very sweet guy who cared about the females who played in the tournament. He will be missed very much. One Love Clyde Always.Nastassia AKA "ALL CITY BOUCICAULT"..(Clyde used to call me that)

From the guestbook: Original date of message 26 Oct 2001  Pamela Cherry    Knowing Clyde almost 20 years I had no idea about the impact he had on so many people, though I must say I'm not at all surprised! He had the same impact on me! He always had a way of making people feel special, a testimony to how special he was. He will always hold a place in my heart and, I'm happy to see, in the hearts of so many. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to his family, friends and all of those who love him like I do and will miss his presence.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 13Nov 2001  Kelli  I was just writing to send my condolences to the Frazier family as well as to the entire SlamJam family. Clyde touched many people and we were all blessed to have had him be such an impact in all of our lives.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 13Nov 2001  TALIA BKA SUNSHINE H  Holla everyone I just wanted to send my love and prayers to the Frazier Family, Slam Jam is one of the hottest tournaments in New York. The staff and players at Slam Jam love you Clyde, and you are always in our hearts. Talia L.I.Wave #11 Holla

From the guestbook: Original date of message 19Nov 2001  SWEETS   I would like to send my condolences out to the Frazier family. I want to thank you for helping me get out to the college coaches and showing my talent this is the best tournament in n.y. Thanks for everything the wizzards will be back.

From the guestbook: Original date of message 20Nov 2001  Taneisha McCroskey   I would Like to send my deepest wishes to the Frazier family. Clyde was a big inspiration in my life. Seeing what he did for people and me as well made me want to reach my goal more and more. He was the type of person who would cheer you up even when you know you are feeling down. I would like to say thank you Clyde for being that inspiration that I need and i will never forget you. Your spirit lives on. Love Always, New Generation

From the guestbook: Original date of message 29Nov 2001  sharon billips  I would like to send my condolences out to the frazier family. Clyde was a real inspiration to womens basketball, He put on a great SlamJam tournament every time around.clyde will be remembered as a true hero to all that played in SlamJam. (Clyde thanks for everything)

From the guestbook: Original date of message 29Nov 2001  Taisha Roberts   I would like to send my condolences to his family and to foundation of his slamjam program. I play in his tournment for 4 years and while I was in the tournment I realize I have a lot to learn because of Clyde he show me the key of playing basketball, and his guidence and support he gave me help me through high school and I'm about to finish 2 year school at monroe community college,

From the guestbook: Original date of message 29Nov 2001  TIFFANY MUFF COOPE   I'm so sorry to have heard what happened to Clyde. Clyde was like the coolest guy a person could ever have known. This was a man who kept a smile on his face and has done wonders for NYC basketball. It still hurts me when I think about it, but I believe Clyde was helping others exit the building. To me Clyde Frazier is a hero among many others. This was the type of person that he was. I've known Clyde since I was about 13 years old and I am now 21. He was a great man and ran a great tournament. Everyone who met Clyde knew that he was special because you got the vibe that he really cared about you.  WITH MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT, MUFF(EXCEL-GAUCHOS) SLAM-JAM FORMER PLAYER 1995-1999

From the guestbook: Original date of message 17Jan 2002  RBattle   May God bring comfort to the Frazier family. Clyde will always be in my prayers. God Bless Rosie

From the guestbook: Original date of message 15June 2002  Zekeera Belton First of all I would like to Thank the Frazier's for giving me the opportunity to play in their tournament. I always loved to play in the SlamJam tournament because it was there that you would always find the best competition. Clyde Frazier Jr. and Sr. have made positive contributions in many young players lives, I was sad to have learned of Clyde Jr.'s passing. However, as sad as I was, I couldn't help but smile when I looked at those days that you would walk in the gym, whether it be at Riverbank or the Public School on 143rd. and knew by his smile that he cared. He taught us that ballin wasn''t the only answer, but school was just as important. As a result I took heed to his message and am now ballin for Georgetown University. The Fraziers as well as Milbank have played an influential role in my early basketball development. I would just like to send out my gratitude and thanks.\r\nWith that I express my sincere condolences and hope that the tournament will live

From the guestbook: Original date of message 19Aug 2002  Sammy  I want to complement the Clyde family and all the staff who made SlamJam Women's Basketball Classic possible. It is the best tournament in NYC, which allows good quality female basketball players to expose themselves during a contact and evaluation period. There aren't a lot of tournaments out there who consider the entire welfare of the basketball players. The quality of these games are the highest among the metropolitan area. Good site, beautiful staff, and a good crowd. It also allows non-AAU programs to compete, which helps the underprivileged girls, who can't afford to travel or join an AAU program, to get exposed. Top college programs don't want to see street ball nor a coach on the bench who speaks derogatory words every five seconds. It absolutely spoils the game. All the young ladies participating show a lot of poise in respectful manner. Keep up the good job Slam-Jam. I'll see you in the Fall.

From the guestbook:  Michael Simms   As I saw the picture of Clyde I started remembering what seems like yesterday has been over 20 years ago when we attended Albany State University. My prayers, thoughts, and wishes are for the family of the one we have come to admire and appreciate. God Bless..

From the guestbook: Original date of message 17Sep 2001   Lisa Sewell My prayers are with Clyde's family on this difficult day. God bless you all!

From the guestbook:  Rocky Rosa   I would like to let Mr. Clyde Frazier Sr. & friends know that my prayers go out to him throughout the year. Playing for him for a number of years was a pleasure. During good and bad times he always pushed me to be the best I could be, it will always be appreciated..... You''ll always be here in spirit. Mustang 4 Ever...Rock & Ashley

From the guestbook:  'shanekqua aka shac   I just want to say clyde i love you and you will always be in my heart and slam jam will always be here and your spirt will always be there too . Today is a day that we lost you but i will not remember that, because in my heart you are still here.

From the guestbook:  John Battle   Just showing some support for a brother that left us too early. He truly lives on through his work. God Bless.

From the guestbook:  Kenneth Wilson  The website is slamming. The tourney's look awesome, way to keep the Brother Clyde's great work going!

The website is slamming. The tourney's awesome, way to keep the Brother Clyde's great work going!

From the guestbook:  Gregory S. Carr AKA BUZZY   I was glad to see that my 'Homeboys' dream is still in effect. The games at Riverside Park were exciting and exhibited good sportmanship. The young ladies are really good ball players,and I hope his dream lives on and grows as the years go on! If you need help feel free to call! Buzzy PEACE The Albany Alumni Crew!

From the guestbook:  Matt Young   Keep up the great work folks; Slam Jam is still the premiere girls basketball showcase in the tri-state area! We all miss Clyde, but his vision is intact and carries on through your continued success!!! Matt Young Girls Basketball Head Coach Marymount School

From the guestbook:  name   Shirelle Butts BKA Da Bodyshop Hampton, Virginia Man!! I was just playing wit my computer and somehow stubbled onto the SlamJam homepage. I really like what yall did wit the page. I'm happy and proud at what yall accomplished since the last time I've play. On a sad note. I'm very upset and sad to hear what happened on 9/11. When I heard, I almost lost my breath. Clyde was family to me. He helped not only me but many many others to go above and beyond. To me SlamJam was like the female Rucker. Clyde will never be forgotten. I MISS YOU. 1luv

From the message board: Posted By Slam Jam Player 14:21:07 9/12/2001
Clyde Frazier Jr.
Is he ok? Was he a survivor?

From the message board: Posted By snake 19:34:50 9/12/2001
clyde-
My prayers go out to Clyde and I hope he is ok.

From the message board: Posted By COACH KEVIN WILLIAMS THE MT. CARMEL FAMILY 07:41:57 9/13/2001
CLYDE "WE LOVE YOU"
OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS GOES OUT TO THE FRAZIER FAMILY. CLYDE WAS A PIONEER IN THAT HE BROUGHT HS GIRLS BASKETBALL BACK TO NEW YORK CITY. HE GAVE THESE YOUNG LADIES A VENUE TO SHOW THEIR SKILLS AND I AM FOREVER GRATEFUL. WE MUST CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR HIS RETURN. GOD BLESS YOU

From the message board: Posted By Rochelle Murphy 10:20:56 9/13/2001
Clyde Frazier Jr
We haven spoken on line many times. I always kid you about both of us working in the World Trade. I keep calling your house, but there's no answer. I hope and pray you are safe.

From the message board: Posted By Coach Mari Warner 11:02:25 9/13/2001
Clyde Frazier, Jr.
Our prayers, at the University at Albany, are with Clyde and his family. May he be safe and among the survivors of this terrible tragedy.

From the message board: Posted By Yolanda Hollingsworth 07:56:32 9/14/2001
A hero---love you man!
Copied from a previously forwarded message to my coworkers and family... Science Library Staff and Others: Unfortunately, yesterday's tragedy was personally visited upon me and my family. A good friend of 22 years was at work during the World Trade Center attacks. I do wish for his safe return, but know there's a real possibility that he could be forever lost to us. I knew for years that he was very popular in NYC for his coaching of girl basketball leagues and today was the first day I decided to see if there was anything on the web on him. I found something and ----even better he was not only mentioned, discussed in some detail, but a picture of him was also provided too. Let's hope the twisted irony of the caption's last point becomes fact. Please join me in wishing for his safe return. I definitely had him in mind to be Nia's second basketball coach (second to her Dad of course--- I never learned basketball--I was strictly a track women). Yet, if my daughter and his coaching talents are not predestined, good memories will have to suffice. He's one of the few guys that I knew that took women's contributions to sports and their potential to excel VERY seriously. As a SUNYA student and then SUNYA Alumni, he also coached girls' basketball clubs here at the university back in the late 70's thru mid 80's. Please read about my good friend and his wonderful contribution to women sports. I just found out moments ago, that they still haven't found him and on a "list of the missing." Most unfortunately, co-workers saw him there. They say they are alive because of him and other male co-workers who insisted to let the women exit first. One women said she looked back hoping to see him and didn't. He was last scene on the 80th floor probably heading for or already in an elevator. Here's to you, Clyde ---Always a hero, huh?------Deepest sympathy to his family and other loved ones. Well, Clyde I will always be your "secret-squirrel" ---long story guys.... http://journalism.fas.nyu.edu/wis/LEE_SLAMJAM_1_2.html Luv,Yolanda

From the message board: Posted By Kenneth J. Whetstone 07:08:14 9/15/2001
I've been praying the whole time.
Everyday for the past eight days, the women's volleyball and baskeball teams at Globe Institute of Technology have been doing part of their conditioning by running the 2.8 miles across the Brooklyn Bridge. The team could always look forward to looking to one side and seeing The Manhattan Bridge and the Empire State Building, and on the other side seeing the Statue of Liberty and yes, the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. That scenery has recently changed. G.I.T. is located on Broadway across from City Hall and the Federal Building in the financial district of lower Manhattan. The many surrounding landmarks has always been our pride. I have personally taken many of our recruits to lunch in the World Trade Center when they came to visit because of the fantastic edifice it was. I'd always take the long way around to the restaurants so that the girls could spend time window shopping in the mall down on the lower level. On September 11, 2001, the teams met at the Brooklyn Bridge at 8:00 a.m. like we did everyday. This day, however, I decided we would not run the bridge and sent the team ahead to the gymnasium instucting them to start the stretching excercises. My first assistant, Mike McCullen, and I stayed behind to discuss what we would be doing in the gym and weightroom. As he and I passed City Hall, we heard the first explosion. We reached the corner and had the displeasure of seeing 1 WTC with a huge hole in it's face. I immediately prayed for all the lives lost. It was the most disheartening thing I had ever seen. With the grace of God, we were all able to get to safety before either building collapsed. Most of the girls were able to take a subway before the secong plane hit 2 WTC. Mike and I caught up with the one player who was late for conditioning and the three of were forced to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to get out of the city. Midway across, we witnessed 2 WTC crumble. Again, I prayed for the many lives. When the second plane hit, I prayed that a dear friend, Clyde Frazier, Jr. who worked on 86th floor, had already made it to safety. When the building collapsed, I prayed he made it out of the area. I was fortunate to still be able to use my cell phone at the time and called everyone I could to ask them to try and reach him. Clyde and I met for lunch on numerous occassions, especially when I worked for Deutsche Bank at 130 Liberty Street, which is directly across from 2 WTC. Clyde still has not been found. We are all praying for his safe return and are asking that you all keep him in your prayers as well. Thank you, Coach Kenneth J. Whetstone Globe Institute of Technology Ken's Women's Basketball Club

From the message board: Posted By C Noriega 11:43:09 9/15/2001
in my prayers
My prayers go out to the family and friends of Clyde. I hope you're okay Clyde. God bless you

From the message board: Posted By HORACE GREGG 16:30:14 9/15/2001
PRAYING FOR CLYDE RETURN.
ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY DAUGTHER RONNIESHA LUCAS OUR WHOLE FAMIY PRAY FOR THE SAFE RETURN OF CLYDE FRAZIER JR.

From the message board: Posted By Grace 16:42:01 9/15/2001
praying for you
Clyde, may God hold you in his arms...no matter where you are.

From the message board: Posted By Barbara Palmer 20:22:54 9/15/2001
In Our Prayers
From the Kips Bay/Raven family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you God bless you hope to hear from you soon!

From the message board: Posted By stacy and sage 08:42:10 9/16/2001
From Jackson, mississippi
Just wanted to say.. everyone is in our prayers. We are devastated like the rest of the country. WE hope and PRAY for everyone directly involved in this catastrophe. GOD BLESS AND WE SEND OUR LOVE

From the message board: Posted By Carl B.CLARK 17:54:01 9/16/2001
God Bless You!
My prays go out to all the families and friends who lost love ones.My prays especially go out to Clyde Frazier Jr. and his family,I only met Clyde once,but spoke to him mant times on the phone and e-mails. Clyde you made what Girls basketball is about on the East Coast,but especially in New York City,so knowledgable about the girls ability,teams strength and the game of basketball. Special Love from the Clark Family(Carl,Calisha and Carla) and strong Island.Yours In Christ-Carl

From the message board: Posted By Adeola Olanrewaju 18:57:02 9/16/2001
God Bless You, Mr. Frazier
Hi, Clyde this is Adeola and I want to send you my prayers and I hope everything is okay. I want to send your family my prayers also and I know through the Lord, He will take care of them and He will make sure that everything is okay.

From the message board: Posted By district70c@aol.com 05:51:35 9/17/2001
Prayer Service - Join Us in Prayer
In lieu of our general club meeting, The Frederick E. Samuel Community Democratic Club will convene a "Join Us In Prayer". This will take place at the Harlem YMCA 180 W. 135 St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Malcolm X Blvds, 7pm-8pm. Please join us in prayer for our missing club member Clyde Frazier Jr. and all the countless others who are missing as a result of Tuesday's tragedy. Thank you. Marilyn Joseph District Leader

From the message board: Posted By Jewel Watson 12:42:58 9/17/2001
We will miss your
Thanks for everything your name will live on. Slam Jamm won't be the same with out.

From the message board: Posted By monie 14:18:14 9/17/2001
god is with you
hey clyde this is monie i want to send out my prayers to you and your family..and thank you for the opportunity to play in your tournaments and be around you..once again God bless and i wish the family well.

From the message board: Posted By Sonja Flagg 05:02:57 9/18/2001
"Looking for a Baller"-Clyde
Clyde, We hope you come back safe & sound to your love ones and to the B-ball world!

From the message board: Posted By Winston Kelly 05:34:27 9/18/2001
You Will Always Be In Our Hearts
I know your out there Clyde, I can see your face and I will pray for the best and you always be in my heart. You will always be one of the good guys. You've had such a positive impact on the lives of so many of our youth. We all owe you so much for the what you've comtributed to women's basketball in NYC. Your the guy who always took the time to stop and talk, listen and express your feelings. May GOD BLESS you and your family through the good and bad times. You always be in our hearts. Winston Kelly@GameBall Magazine

From the message board: Posted By marissa aka small wonder 05:42:44 9/19/2001
i hope you overcome this struggle
Dear slamjam: Clyde wasn't any basketball organizer. He was a great basketball organizer. he made a wed site, talked to the kids, and put an impact on our lifes.Ive know clyde for at least 2 years and he's been a big factor in my basketball careers, every year he makes me want to come back and ball because he's the hype/joker of slamjam. Off the court clyde was a hard, dedicated man, who loved to teach us youngster a lesson of life and to always be there for an open ear. Clyde has never let me feel down or sad when I was in his present he always lend a helping hand to a problem. I personally hope clyde is al right. When i heard he was missing tears started running. i didn't know what to think. all i could do was pray,but my regards go out to his family and friends. God bless and i hope clyde will be found. p.s please contact me by email if you get any good news thanks miss Anne. for filling us in! your a big help.

From the message board: Posted By Sherri Rhooms 06:27:05 9/20/2001
From Florida You are in our Prayers
Each day have we have been praying for you,your family and friends. Praying that the divine light will guide you home Clyde, praying for comfort and peace for your loved ones. We will continue to pray.

From the message board: Posted By Vicky Picott 11:12:43 9/21/2001
God Bless You Friend!!!!!

From the message board: Posted By Cornell Hampton, Assistant Commissioner 16:28:35 9/22/2001
SLAMJAM IS READY TO START!!!
To All Coaches: Please get in contact with me beacuse we are ready to do SLAMJAM, you can reach me 718-527-7127. The tournament will start on Sat., Sept., 29th, at Riverbank State Park. We are ready to make this happen, I just need to hear from your.

From the message board: Posted By Fred 18:09:59 9/23/2001
Mr Frazier
Though i never you. I can see from what you've done here that you are truly a wonderful a giving man a man of god. My heart goes out to you and your family in this devestating time we are all in. You have touched many a life as all can read from here Please know that New Jersey Flames are praying that you will be found. May god bless you and your family forever Fred New Jersey Flames Coach.

From the message board: Posted By Tim 07:08:20 9/24/2001
Who's the baller
Clyde my prayers go out to you and your family. I never got to thank you for all your help with the players for NYC (Taisha Roberts, Tiffany Cooper, Taneisha Mccroskey, Mo Bell, Kendra Romain and Sharon Billips) that have attended our school. With out your help our National Championship would not have been possible.

From the message board: Posted By Coach Darcel Estep 18:52:01 9/27/2001
St. John's WBB sends our prayers.
Mr.Frazier, We want you to know that our Red Storm Family have you and your family in our prayers. SlamJam has helped so many young people and we at SJU want you to know that we are here for you. Our home is your home. We want to help in anyway possible to help all of the SlamJam dreams grow stronger. Mr. Frazier, keep the faith and always know there's a lot of people praying for you and your family. God Bless, The St.John's University Women's Basketball Program

From the message board: Posted By snake 19:11:32 9/29/2001
Slam Jam fall classic
Today was a wonderful day at Slam Jam's Fall classic and i would like to thank everyone that made it possible for us young ladies to play today.That was a beautiful momorial that was held between the games. And God bless CLyde Fraizer Jr.and Sr and thank you. snake douglass panthers