NBA All Star Jr. Journalism Program
By Trey Hand, De La Salle High School
Mentor: Jim Rapier, NOLA.com
Photograph by Stephanie Mayer, St Mary’s Dominican High School
Two of the NBA’s most prolific scorers – past and present – were focused on the future Friday.
George “Iceman” Gervin, who won four league scoring titles in five years in the 1970s and 80s as a member of the San Antonio Spurs, and current scoring standout Steph Curry (2015-16 scoring title) of the Golden State Warriors, were concerned with scoring opportunities for future generations.
Curry and Gervin were among approximately 500 volunteers that included NBA, WNBA, NBA Development players and coaches at the 10th NBA Cares All-Star Day of Service. The league, in partnership with KaBOOM!, helped build a playground at William Hart Elementary School in Gretna, La.
“This (school/playground) is where the kids are our future, and we as adults want to be around our young people and let them know how important they are and help them understand where they can go in their future,” Gervin said.
That message meant something to Curry.
“Being able to give back is the foundation of my family. To gather the resources of the NBA and help the community and students is very important, it also provides (kids) an opportunity to be successful.”
William Hart Principal Janeen Weston was excited about the impact it is making on her school and the community.
“Just seeing volunteers, parents, and the community coming out and helping my school just overwhelmed me,” Weston said. “The students just seeing the adults everyday will be different because now they can see adults and have fun playing on their new playground.”
The volunteers worked through some rainy weather wearing ponchos.
“I’m worried that the rain might stop some of the progress, but we live in New Orleans and we are used to this.”
Though the rain fell, the players pushed through and continued to make the students happy.
“There are never enough people to do the work that needs to be done, but we try to do our share,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr agreed.
“Well, I think we have a big responsibility in that we have a lot of fans and people that watch us. It’s important that we not only interact with people but make an impact.”