Jeannette to name basketball court at playground after Lamont 'Showboat' Robinson

Showboat’s got next.

Jeannette is honoring a proud alum by naming the longtime basketball court at the West Jeannette playground after him.

Lamont “Showboat” Robinson Court will be dedicated in August to honor a former Jayhawks player who made a name for himself on the comedy hoops circuit with the Harlem Globetrotters and Harlem Clowns and as an ambassador to several self-originated halls of fame.

Robinson knows about honoring the greats. He formed the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, American Basketball Hall of Fame and National High School Football Hall of Fame.

He has been nominated a handful of times for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Robinson, 63, was thrilled when city council approved the eponymous honor last week. As a youngster, he put up his first shot at the court and has fond memories of pickup games there.

He played his senior year at Jeannette in 1979-80 after moving from Warrensville, Ohio.

“This is, without question, the greatest honor I have received in my basketball career,” Robinson said. “To have my name on the very court where my journey began as a child is beyond words. This court is more than a place to play basketball. It’s where memories were made with my grandparents, my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and now still visited by my family to this day that live in Jeannette. To know that this special place will now carry my name is a true blessing from God. Words can’t fully express how deeply touched and grateful I am.”

Robinson was born in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, but has family roots in Jeannette. His late grandfather, John Henry Cowell, was a star running back at Jeannette in the 1940s.

Lamont Robinson, who played at Kankakee Community College (Ill.) for one year before transferring to Central State, did worldwide barnstorming tours for 28 years with the Harlem Globetrotters, his self-created Harlem Road Kings and Harlem Clowns.

“To have the Robinson name forever etched into the history of Jeannette, nearly 100 years after my family first came here in 1926, is nothing short of phenomenal,” he said. “It’s more than an individual recognition. It’s a tribute to the legacy of a family that has been part of this community for generations.

“I can’t wait to celebrate this moment with my family and the city I love. We are all so excited and honored. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, Mayor (Curt) Antoniak, thank you to the city council, and thank you to the wonderful people of Jeannette.”