CHICAGO — Perspectives Charter Schools can thank NBA star Anthony Davis for nearly 100 pairs of donated Nike basketball shoes.
Davis, whose New Orleans Pelicans play the Bulls in Chicago on Saturday, graduated from Perspectives in 2011. After a standout season at Kentucky, he was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft and quickly became a dynamic player at the game's highest level.
He recently made the donation of 90-plus pairs of black-and-white Nike Air Max Audacity kicks to Perspectives, which has campuses in Auburn Gresham, Bronzeville and the South Loop. The Auburn Gresham campus will move to Chatham next year.
In a statement, Davis said the principles he learned at Perspectives — especially "demonstrating perseverance" — helped build his foundation.
“That principle has always reminded me to keep pushing myself through the setbacks and injuries,” Davis said. “That one has pushed me to succeed in anything I do.”
In 2013, Davis and Boost Mobile donated $65,000 to build a basketball court at Perspectives' Rodney D. Joslin Campus, 1930 S. Archer Ave.
Perspectives athletics director Vinay Mullick said the shoes — for boys and girls — will be used by the players "to stay competitive and safe on the court."
“The players are super excited — and grateful — for these shoes,” Mullick said. "The donation allows them to use their budget on other much-needed gear."
"It was great to see the reaction of the players when they received the shoes from Anthony Davis," Perspectives boys basketball coach Waybon McConnell Jr. said. "It shows what type of individual he is."
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
