Excitement, anticipation and pride described the mood at the ribbon cutting of the newly named Allen Iverson gym at Bethel High School. 

Iverson retired from the NBA in 2013, yet his relationship with Bethel High School since he graced the halls as a stand out basketball and football player never ended. According to representatives of Hampton City Schools, Iverson has anonymously donated money to Bethel for years without fanfare. But it is not his monetary gifts that makes the naming of the gymnasium special. Bubba Chuck, as he is fondly known in Hampton, has a genuine connection to the community that makes him a state treasure and local inspiration. 

The Hall of Famer did not hold back his emotions as he spoke from the podium, “I’m Virginia,” he began as tears began to fall,  “It’s as simple as that … I’ve loved y’all for all these years for supporting me throughout the ups and downs in my life. We us. We Virginia. We beautiful. We the best. And we the toughest, strongest and we believe in each other. I just love y’all.”

The love between Iverson, Bethel High School and the seven cities area is undeniable, so paying homage with the Allen Iverson Gymnasium was the right answer to preserve his legacy for years to come.