Newsman: A former college basketball player who went on to play internationally was revealed to be the victim in a New York City basketball court shooting late Friday night, according to police. Two others are in the hospital after a shooting according to police.
A 35-year-old man was shot in the head, a 28-year-old man was hit in the shin and a 22-year-old woman was shot in the arm when shots rang out in the court in the back of 70 Lenox Ave. just before 10:30 p.m., authorities said.
All three victims were rushed to the hospital, where the 35-year-old was pronounced dead, officials reported. The 28-year-old and 22-year-old were expected to survive.
Kinu Rochford, 35, was shot and killed during a basketball tournament in Harlem, authorities said on Saturday. Rochford’s former school, Fairleigh Dickinson University, confirmed his role in a social media post.
“FDU is devastated to hear of the tragic passing of former men’s basketball player Kinu Rochford (‘13),” read the social media post on Saturday. “A standout Knight and leader, Rochford built a legacy in Hackensack.”
Rochford was one of three people shot on the basketball court behind 70 Lenox Ave. in Harlem on Friday just before 10:30 p.m., police reported.
A 28-year-old man who was shot in the shin and a 22-year-old woman who was hit in the arm were also taken to the hospital and expected to survive.
What led up to the shooting remains under investigation. The identity of the man killed was also not immediately made known.
The organizer of the local tournament, known on social media as Kingdome Basketball, acknowledged “the tragic loss of life” during the opening game of the 2026 season.
“Our hearts are with the individual’s family, loved ones, teammates, and everyone affected by this devastating tragedy,” read a social post from Saturday. “The Kingdome Games were founded to unite our community through faith, fellowship, and sportsmanship. We unequivocally condemn all forms of violence and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a safe and positive environment for our youth and community.”
Rochford was a Brooklyn native who began his college basketball career at the Globe Institute of Technology before transferring to FDU, according to the school’s athletics website. As an FDU Knight, he served as the team’s forward and appeared in 53 games, averaging 14.8 points per game, totaling 96 blocks and securing ten double-doubles.
He was recognized with the FDU George Braun Leadership Award in 2013 for displaying exemplary leadership skills among their peers, officials from the university say.
Rochford went on to play internationally for the Netherlands, France, England, Switzerland, Iceland and Lithuania.
“Our hearts are heavier today hearing the tragic news,” said Director of Athletics Jason Young. “Those who knew Kinu described him as a fierce competitor with a big heart who made many positive contributions to the FDU community. Today is another reminder to value each other and every day that we have.”
