Raymond Townsend ’78

For Raymond Townsend ’78, basketball is not just about knowing how to catch a ball when it is passed to you, but also about learning to be prepared for anything life can throw your way. After graduating from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, Townsend became the first Filipino-American to play in the NBA League. At the same time, Townsend has amazed sports spectators not only with his impressive athletic skill in basketball, but also with his prowess on the diamonds of the baseball field.

Townsend was the starting guard three out of his four years on UCLA’s basketball team. During his fourth and senior year, he was named All-American guard and UCLA Team Most Valuable Player for the All-Pacific Ten First Team and for the NCAA Western Regional First Team.

Astonishingly, Townsend also played as a starter for UCLA’s varsity baseball team, and was drafted by the California Angels during his junior year. During his last season with the Angels, Townsend was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds; however, he chose to continue his basketball career with the Golden State Warriors after he was selected in the first round of the 1978 NBA Draft.

Since retiring from the NBA in 1981, Townsend has developed sports and educational programs for children. His first program, created in 1992, is called the RT (Raymond Townsend) Basketball Development League. Townsend’s league was the first year-round educational basketball league serving the San Jose community and the Bay Area. Many of his players have gone on to participate in basketball at the collegiate and professional levels.

As director of the Filipino Hoops and Heritage Tour (FHHT), Townsend also has worked to bring together the world of basketball with Filipino-American communities, demonstrating his commitment to honor his heritage and culture in the United States. FHHT includes a basketball game, performance of the Filipino national anthem, Filipino cultural dances and surprise visits by Filipino celebrities and NBA legends. The program’s first tour in 2008 was dedicated to raising funds for typhoon relief in Manila.

As director of the Filipino Hoops and Heritage Tour (FHHT), Townsend also has worked to bring together the world of basketball with Filipino-American communities, demonstrating his commitment to honor his heritage and culture in the United States. FHHT includes a basketball game, performance of the Filipino national anthem, Filipino cultural dances and surprise visits by Filipino celebrities and NBA legends. The program’s first tour in 2008 was dedicated to raising funds for typhoon relief in Manila.

Through the RT Basketball Development League and the Filipino Hoops and Heritage Tour, Townsend hopes to continue to create spaces where youth can be motivated and inspired to pursue their goals.