Friends and neighbors are remembering an East Flatbush basketball star who was shot and killed last week.

Those who are mourning Kinu Rochford remembered him as a humble mentor who never forgot the East Flatbush community that helped shape him, even after finding success on the basketball court.

A memorial of candles spelling out Rochford's name now sits beside the basketball court at Wingate Park, where friends said he spent countless hours playing, training and mentoring young people.

Brian Delacruz, who said he grew up with Rochford, remembered him as someone who always stayed connected to his roots.

"We live at Wingate," Delacruz said. "This is our park. We been here for years. I knew Kinu for well over 20 years." Delacruz said Rochford remained humble throughout his basketball career, which included playing at Fairleigh Dickinson University and professionally in Europe.

"From the time I met him, he's always been playing basketball, always been very humble," Delacruz said. Friends said Rochford regularly returned to Wingate Park to play basketball, work out and teach neighborhood children the game. They said he also worked as an intake counselor helping homeless families in Brooklyn.

"Kinu loved being around kids, Kinu loved helping people, Kinu loved teaching," Delacruz said. "He used his influence with being in the streets vs college vs basketball, he merged all of that together to motivate kids."

Police said the 35-year-old was shot and killed during a basketball tournament in Harlem last week.

"I was in disbelief. I just spoke to him," Delacruz said.

Another memorial has grown outside Rochford's apartment in East Flatbush as friends and loved ones continue to mourn his death.

When asked how he feels knowing the shooter has not been caught, Delacruz said, "I hope that there is a conscience, you know? I hope that someone does see something and says something and speaks up."

Police said there are still no updates in the search for Rochford's killer.

A GoFundMe created to help pay for Rochford's funeral has raised nearly $10,000. His mother told News 12 she is still making funeral arrangements.

The NYPD is asking anyone with information to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.