Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden supported his alma mater, Arizona State, by donating a six-figure quantity to its NIL program in April 2024. The precise quantity stays undisclosed.
The purpose guard mirrored on his choice to contribute a part of his NBA earnings to his former college in an interview with Entrance Workplace Sports activities on Wednesday.
“NIL these days is an important factor as a result of children wish to be compensated for his or her play and their work … which is smart,” he mentioned.
“I needed to be part of serving to the staff and the varsity get gamers as a result of we’re a really, very nice program and an important college and if NIL is the issue, then I can assist with that.”
Coach Bobby Hurley has highlighted Harden’s impression on his basketball program, saying the previous NBA MVP has not solely helped the varsity financially however has additionally made a distinction by staying concerned with this system. He famous that the NBA star repeatedly meets with new rosters annually, passing on his elite basketball information.
“It isn’t solely the monetary, James has been giving his time,” he mentioned. “And his willingness to be across the gamers, he might be in his offseason on an island someplace or simply engaged on his sport in LA – he carves out time yearly to come back again and see the brand new staff, be across the guys and share his experiences with them.”
“Its greater than a monetary, an funding in making an attempt to assist younger males and he is such a job mannequin to our guys.”
James Harden’s contribution helped Arizona State land Jayden Quaintance
Jayden Quaintance, some of the proficient forwards within the 2024 recruiting class, had initially dedicated to the Kentucky Wildcats. Nonetheless, when John Calipari stunned the faculty basketball world by accepting the top teaching job at Arkansas, the 6-foot-9 ahead backed out of his dedication.
On the time, Quaintance was being pursued by groups together with Ohio State, Missouri, Louisville and Memphis. Nonetheless, simply 20 days after Calipari’s departure, Arizona State landed the extremely sought-after recruit — thanks partly to Harden’s contributions.
Quaintance is averaging 9.4 factors, 7.9 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.5 assists and 1.1 steals per sport. He leads the staff in rebounds and blocks whereas taking pictures 52.5%.
Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro