This league was born for the players, not for the corporate people who fund the monies, said Todd Robert Murphy, owner of the Todd Robert Murphy Agency who became involved with the league shortly after its conception. We wanted the name to represent the players. Thus the name 'In the Paint at One Two' was born. Ten years ago at the league's conception, games were played only on the North Side. Realizing there were many at-risk youths on the South Side, the league expanded in 1994 upon receipt of a grant from the Bradley Foundation.
Frugality is a key word.
Monies are deliberately spent, without any chance to splurge, Murphy says. We are committed to maintaining this program, but we need to expand our donor base. As a public relations person, I tell prospective donors, you don't give to this league for name recognition. You get involved because you just know this is the right thing to do. Private donors contribute more than money because this league represents more than a chance to play hoops.