Craig Raucher is not just a basketball enthusiast — he’s a visionary who turned a simple pick-up game into a decades-long, deeply rooted community. As the founder and Commissioner of the Staten Island Basketball League (SIBL), which began in 1980, he has guided the league with passion, purpose, and steadfast values.

Under Craig’s leadership, SIBL is more than just a sport: it’s a bridge between people of all backgrounds. Over the years, the league has welcomed men aged 30 to 75 — from executives and blue-collar workers to former addicts, ex-convicts, teachers, firemen, and more. Despite its competitive edge, the league operates on just three simple principles: play hard, compete fairly, and respect one another. Any talk of politics, racism, or intentional harm is strictly prohibited.

Craig Raucher’s resilience is as impressive off the court as on. Even after two knee replacements, he continues to play regularly, inspiring players decades younger than him. His commitment to community extends beyond adult games: in 2024, he launched a youth loop at the same PS 8 gym in Great Kills, welcoming children aged 8–12 to learn basketball from the ground up. 

Perhaps most poignantly, Craig sees basketball as more than a game — he views it as a healing force. He’s witnessed former addicts find strength and fellowship on the court. Under his guidance, SIBL has stood for decades as a rare space of unity, competition, and respect — a testament to his belief that sport can uplift, heal, and bring people together.