Howard Garfinkel
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
165 lbs (75 kg)
Born:
August 1, 1929
New York City, U.S.
Died:
May 7, 2016
New York City, U.S.
Position:
Contributor
College:
City College
Howard Garfinkel was a legendary figure in grassroots basketball, best known as the founder of the Five-Star Basketball Camp, which helped launch the careers of hundreds of NBA and college stars. Established in 1966, Five-Star became the premier developmental camp in the country, featuring alumni like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Patrick Ewing, and Chris Paul. Garfinkel was a master talent evaluator and a trusted source for college recruiters for decades.
He also co-founded the High School Basketball Illustrated (HSBI) scouting service, revolutionizing how talent was tracked and recruited. Beyond his eye for talent, “Garf” created a competitive culture at Five-Star that emphasized fundamentals, coaching excellence, and intensity. His legacy is woven into the careers of Hall of Famers and top-tier coaches, many of whom credit him for their development. Garfinkel was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 as a contributor.
Garfinkel's Awards and Records
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Inductee (2016, Contributor)
- Five-Star Basketball Camp credited with shaping modern scouting/recruiting
- Recognized by countless NCAA and NBA legends
- Promoted high-level competition and elite coaching clinics
- Instrumental in the development of basketball’s summer circuit culture
- Called “the godfather of grassroots basketball”
Career Stats
Founder
Five-Star Basketball Camp (1966–2008)
Co-Founder
HSBI Scouting Service (1965–2000s)
Estimated NBA Players Influenced:
500+
Estimated College Coaches Influenced:
100+
Notable Alumni:
Michael Jordan, Moses Malone, Isiah Thomas, Grant Hill, Karl-Anthony Towns
Legendary Coaches at Camp:
Bobby Knight, Rick Pitino, Hubie Brown, John Calipari