KINGSTON – Former Kingston basketball star Tay Fisher was known during his playing career for his lights-out shooting, spirited competitiveness and, of course, his infectious smile.
Fisher’s signature smile will likely be on display on Sunday when he is inducted into the New York State Basketball Hall of Fame in Troy. The Hall of Fame honors coaches and players who have made significant contributions to the game.
“It’s pretty humbling and awesome to get this recognition,” Fisher, 38, said. “It means a lot to be able to enjoy with my friends and family. Some people are gone when they are honored like this. I will enjoy sitting back and enjoying it with the people that I love.”
After starring at Kingston, scoring 2,119 points, Fisher went on to play at Division I Siena in Albany. His signature moment came in the 2008 NCAA tournament when he scored 19 points on 6-for-6 shooting from 3-point range in 13th-seeded Siena’s 83-62 first round win over No. 4 Vanderbilt.
Fisher predicted the upset days before Siena pulled it off. Fisher played with the world-renowned Harlem Globetrotters from 2009-19. Known as “Firefly” with the Globetrotters, Fisher visited 50 states and 70 countries with the team. He earned the nickname “Firefly” because he was quick, always moving frenetically around the court, could shoot and got crowds going with his dribbling skills.
Fisher was named to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Hall of Fame Honor Roll Class of 2018. He was enshrined in “The MAAC Experience” exhibit at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in a special ceremony.
Fisher now runs Tay Fisher Basketball out of Kingston and Albany and is very active in both communities.
“Tay Fisher was the ultimate competitor, a fabulous captain, a true winner and one of my favorite players I have ever coached,” said Iowa men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery, who coached Fisher at Siena. “I would like to congratulate Tay for earning this well-deserved Hall of Fame honor.”
