Savannah honors hometown basketball legend Larry “Gator” Rivers with court naming

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The City of Savannah honored hometown basketball legend Larry “Gator” Rivers Friday by naming a basketball court for the late athlete and public servant at Crawford Square.

City officials held a ceremonial court-naming to recognize Rivers’ impact on the community. Leaders noted Rivers helped integrate high school basketball in Georgia, and later entertained fans as a Harlem Globetrotter from 1973 to 1986.

Rivers went on to serve as a Chatham County commissioner.

Speakers at the event included city leaders and Rivers’ wife, Jean Rivers, who accepted the honor on his behalf.

Rivers died in 2023 at age 73. He is remembered as a mentor, coach and advocate for Savannah’s youth.