Stephon Marbury is looking to bring back a piece of his legacy. During his prime in the NBA, he was one of the few stars to have his own signature sneaker—the “Starbury” line. Now, nearly two decades later, he’s gearing up for a revival. In a conversation with Complex, the 2x All-Star reflected on the brand’s early days and his mission to make affordable basketball shoes mainstream again. But while Marbury is focused on his comeback, he hasn’t forgotten those who helped him along the way.
After all, his basketball journey has been anything but ordinary. Marbury, the flashy Brooklyn guard taken fourth in the 1996 NBA Draft, played 13 seasons, earning two All-Star nods while carrying the weight of New York’s basketball hopes on his shoulders, though fans remember him for his stint with the Phoenix Suns too. His time in New York, in particular, cemented his status as a hometown hero.
So when Lou D’Almeida’s 93rd birthday came around, Marbury knew he had to do something special. D’Almeida, a New York legend, played a pivotal role in shaping Marbury’s early basketball years. To show his appreciation, Marbury made a surprise visit to the New York Gauchos gym, where it all began. He shared the heartfelt moment in a video, capturing the joy and admiration he still holds for his mentor.
“We’re about to go see Lou D’Almeida, the founder of the Gauchos. I mean, he’s helped so many people—my oldest brother, Don. Now, he’s the oldest brother. So his birthday is today. We’re about to surprise him,” Marbury said before heading inside.
For those unfamiliar, Lou D’Almeida is the visionary behind the New York Gauchos, an elite AAU program based in the Bronx. His gym has produced more than 25 NBA players and countless college athletes. The program has been a breeding ground for some of NYC’s finest, including Marbury, Mark Jackson, Jamal Mashburn, Chris Mullin, and Dwayne “Pearl” Washington.
And on his special day, one of his most famous protégés made sure to remind him just how much he’s meant to the game.
Can Stephon Marbury bring Starbury back?
Stephon Marbury is ready to bring Starbury back to life. While speaking with Complex, the former NBA guard revealed that his goal is to relaunch the brand and have products back on shelves by the summer of 2025. “I want to drop it next summer,” Marbury said. “Because after 2025, going into 2030, we’re going to see a whole new breed of athletes.”
Marbury also feels he’s in a much better position to succeed. With years of experience and a sharper understanding of the industry, he believes the relaunch will be stronger than before.
“Now with all of what I’ve learned and all of what I’ve done, I can actually put everything together,” Marbury said. “Then do it all over again with a way better structure, with a way better infrastructure.”
His years in China, where he became a cultural icon, could be the X-factor in his second run. This is especially true considering China is a major hub of production.
“It’s a blessing to have gone through that and then go to a place where they produce everything that’s pretty much in here,” he said. “It’s made in China.”
When Starbury first hit the market in 2006, the line offered budget-friendly sneakers, selling for just $15. The brand enjoyed a short but memorable run, expanding its range before shutting down in 2009.
Twenty years ago, Marbury was a rising NBA star, Lou D’Almeida was guiding future pros, and Starbury was making waves in the sneaker world. Now, decades later, all three are making their mark again: Marbury with his comeback, D’Almeida (92) still shaping NYC basketball, and Starbury gearing up for another run. Some stories just come full circle.
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