Quick Facts
Biography
Jack Ryan, aka "Black Jack", aka "Water", is an American streetball player from Brooklyn, New York. Ryan's basketball exploits began at John Jay High School, where, as a senior, he averaged 26 ppg. Ryan later took his game to East 5th St. Park in Brooklyn, where he mastered the tricks and shots he became well known for. In his first season in a recreational league at West 4th, Ryan played one game against former Detroit Piston Phil Sellers and scored 44 points.
Ryan is most well known for his very proficient 3-point shooting. According to an article written by Bobbito Garcia about Ryan in Slam Magazine Streetball Special Collector's Issue, Chris Mullin once described Jack as the best shooter he'd ever seen who hadn't played in the NBA. The article also states Peter Vecsey got Ryan a tryout with the New Jersey Nets in 1990, but was the second-to-last man cut, ending Ryan's NBA aspirations. In May 2003 Ryan was named as one of "Slam Magazines Greatest Playground Ballers of All Time." Ryan further proved his mastery of the 3-point shot when he won the 2005 City Slam 3-Point Shooting Championships, which aired on ESPN. In a close final, Ryan edged out fellow streetball sharpshooter Deshun "Father Time" Jackson to take the title. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHijMfhV1jQ
Jack Ryan's story was featured on the cover of the [New York Times] Sports section on December 3, 2003 http://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/03/sports/basketball-a-hard-case-from-the-streets-makes-good.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm The article inspired the 2009 production of a moving documentary on his life story titled “Release: The Jack Ryan Story” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=addkLMohZ1E. Ryan remains a popular video subject on YouTube, setting records and earning accolades—while performing at NBA All Star weekend 2008 in New Orleans Ryan became a 3 time Guinness Record Holder.
Ryan continues to play basketball every day in leagues all around the US and playing in showcase tournaments; but he truly fuels his passion for basketball with his company HoopWizard.com a one man show—he is a sought after performer who travels worldwide entertaining at NBA & Collegiate Half Time shows, basketball camps, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Corporate events and numerous private celebrations for basketball fans of all ages. http://vimeo.com/39274310
Ryan is described as authentic & inspirational as he performs shooting demonstrations and spins nine balls at a time! He serves as a powerful speaker for many Elementary and Middle School programs delivering a unique and interactive message to youth while entertaining with basketballs. Planners who seek fantastic performances featuring tremendous athletic skill, infectious smiles and superb basketball entertainment consistently contact Jack “Blackjack” Ryan for their events. See http://hoopwizard.com for more pictures and exciting videos!
JACK RYAN'S FILM CREDITS AND BASKETBALL AWARDS:
- 2013 Complex.com: One of “The 20 Greatest basketball players of all time not to make the NBA”
- 2013 Complex.com: Named to the list of “Top 25 Streetball Players of All Time”
- 2011 At 50 years old led West 4th Summer league in scoring
- 2010 MTV: Band Of Ballers Champion
- 2010 Converse TV Commercial: "Join The Procession" with Julius Dr. J Erving
- 2009 “Release: The Jack Ryan Story”, Documentary by Aaron Bierman & Mitchell Tannen
- 2008 THREE-time Guinness Record Holder, achieved at NBA All Star Weekend in New Orleans:
- Longest spin on toe, Longest spin on nose, Most free throws blind folded in a minute!
- 2005 ESPN: City Slam National 3-point Shooting Champion
- 2003 NY Times: Life story article, front page of sports section, written by Ira Berkow
- 2003 Slam magazine: Named “One of the Greatest Playground Ballers of all time”
- 1999 First white showman in Harlem Wizard history
- 1997 Became a member of the Harlem Wizards Entertainment Basketball, touring internationally
- 1990 Free agent with NJ Nets Basketball Team, was last cut at 29 years old
- 1980 Jack Ryan averaged 26 points as a Senior at John Jay High School Brooklyn, NY