Harlem Student Gets Surprise $60K Scholarship Award At Knicks Game

HARLEM, NY — The biggest shock inside Madison Square Garden Monday night wasn't when the New York Knicks defeated the Detroit Pistons by 25 points — or even that the home team set a franchise three-point record.

It was when a High School Senior from East Harlem got a surprise $60,000 assist on the court.

Idris Hofler, a student at the Eagle Academy for Young Men of Harlem High School, was "shocked" when he was presented with the giant check on the court, as part of the Knick's annual HBCU night.

The evening was renamed the HBCU Night Celebrating Willis Reed after the legendary Knick who passed away a year ago.

Hofler is the inaugural recipient of a new, $60,000 scholarship named after the former all-star, called the Willis Reed Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship, and for many in the audience, it was the highlight of the evening.

“The scholarship means a lot to me and my future goals for school," Hofler said. "I was so shocked, I didn’t even know what I was about to receive!"

The Willis Reed Garden of Dreams Inspire Scholarship will be awarded annually to a High School senior who plans to attend a Historically Black College or University and "embodies the unmatched leadership and work ethic of Willis Reed," according to a statement announcing the scholarship.

The award was presented by Reed’s wife, Gale, and his teammates Bill Bradley and Walt Frazier.

"I’m just so grateful, so thank you to the Garden of Dreams Foundation," said Hofler. "I can go to any HBCU I would like to go to now.”

Reed, a seven-time NBA All-Star,, two-time champion and renowned leader who spent his whole career with the Knicks, passed away on March 21, 2023.

He attended Grambling State University, an experience that changed his life, his wife Gale said.

“Willis considered his time at Grambling State University to be one of the most influential and important decisions he made in his life. The University meant so much to him and our family,” said Gale Reed. “We both were, and I still am, dedicated to assisting young adults strive for higher education. He had a soft spot in his heart for those students who chose the HBCU experience, and he would be proud to be associated with anything that can help students attend HBCUs.”

Additionally, the Knicks will also be making an annual $10,000 donation to the Grambling State University endowment fund in dedication to Reed.

Garden of Dreams Foundation’s Inspire Scholarship program has provided college scholarships to several students attending HBCU's and has awarded more than $5 million toward the higher education of deserving high school seniors since its inception in 2015.

Hofler reportedly wants to study psychology and has already been accepted to many programs. Currently, Hofler is deciding between Morgan State University and Clark Atlanta University.