George Felton Basketball Court Blessed
Blessings by Bishop Marcuzzo of Jerusalem Rain Down
Coach George Felton was honored in Bethlehem today (September 17, 2025) as the basketball court named in his honor was blessed. George is a true friend to Bethlehem University and is a board member of Bethlehem University Foundation USA. He dedicates countless hours to advocating on behalf of the University and its students and raising funds through Bethlehem University Foundation USA, the primary fundraiser for the University in the United States.
This court stands in testament to a man who is dedicated to his faith and the desire for every young person to reach their God-given potential. Of course it is also dedicated to a man who loves basketball!
Born and raised in the Bronx, and a proud graduate of All Hallows High School, an Irish Christian Brothers school, George Felton has spent his career in basketball. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he was recruited on a basketball scholarship. After graduation, he came back to his Alma Mater as Head Coach after having served as an assistant coach at Georgia Tech and Kentucky. He was responsible for recruiting players who later became NBA stars. George gained a reputation as the best recruiter in college basketball, which led to his opportunity with the National Basketball Association.
A former scout for the Indiana Pacers, George is currently the Director of Player Personnel for the five-time world champion San Antonio Spurs. He has been with the Spurs since 2006.
For George, who received both a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Master’s Degree in Special Education, it is all about people. He speaks to student groups, players, and coaches on his message of the Four Circles of Life: Spiritual, Academics, Social Life and Career, and Athletics and Health. Through his work, he had the opportunity to visit Bethlehem University and Palestine many times and considers it his mission to share the inspiring story of Bethlehem University with his friends.
George, together with his friends made this basketball court possible. We are most grateful to all the donors who contributed to the Basketball Court:
- Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Cremins
- Mr. T. Michael Doyle
- Mr. William Ficke
- Heritage Vintage Sports Auctions, Inc.
- Mr. Dan Klores
- Mr. Mitchell Kupchak
- Mr. Jim Lampe
- Mr. L Casey Manning
- Mr. and Mrs. Kevin J. O’Connor
- Mr. David J. Posek
- Mr. Robert and Mrs. Eugenia Reinke
- Mr. John P. Ryan
- Mr. Thomas F. Sheppard
- Mr. James Walsh
George lives with his family in South Carolina. He and his wife Brenda (of 45 years) have two sons, Larrry and Jeremy. He is a Knight Commander of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. During his remarks George also shared that he and his wife have established an endowed scholarship to honor their son, Bobby, whom they lost around five years ago.
Following the Palestinian National Anthem, Bethlehem University’s Vice Chancellor Br. Hernán Santos, FSC, PhD, remarked that, “This ceremony is not just about dedicating a facility, it is about celebrating the values of generosity, community, and faith. May every game and gathering here remind us of our mission to work together for a brighter future.” Speaking on behalf of the alumni, Ghada Rumman (BU ’07), a former Bethlehem University Basketball player, highlighted the value of athletics in her student journey: “Basketball at Bethlehem University taught us teamwork, resilience, and leadership. With this new court, future student-athletes will continue to grow not only as players but also as men and women of service to their communities.”
The unveiling of the commemorative plaque was led by Brother Hernán and Coach Felton. Taking the podium, Coach George Felton shared his personal connection to the University: “From the first time I stepped onto this campus, I was inspired by the determination of the students. This court is for them, a place to dream, to compete, and to carry forward the values of this remarkable University.” He concluded by saying, “May this court continuously bounce the ball of hope, spiritually, academically, socially/career, and athletically/health to help us all to carry our cross this day and every day.”
The program continued with a ceremonial free shot taken by Coach Felton, cheered on by students, followed by a friendly basketball game by Bethlehem University athletes, symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter in the University’s athletic life.
