Washington Wizards guard John Wall works out prior to an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks, Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP
NBA player and Raleigh native John Wall is giving a city park a new bounce this weekend.
Wall, through his family foundation, will donate a new basketball court at Roberts Park Community Center featuring “resilient court surfacing” that will enable year-round play.
“This is my favorite time of the year,” Wall said in a news release. “To have the opportunity to come back home and help the community that raised me is always a blessing.”
The dedication is set for 11 a.m. Saturday at Roberts Park on East Martin Street, followed by a basketball clinic for children from Roberts Park, Durant Road Elementary School and the Salvation Army of Wake County.
“John Wall Foundation’s donation breathes new life into the basketball court at Roberts Park,” park director Calvin Mitchell said in the release.
“By investing in the community where he grew up, John Wall demonstrates a genuine commitment to giving back and shows the children of the neighborhood that they have the potential to dream big, pursue their passions, rise above challenges and make their own mark on the world,” he said.
The event coincides with Wall’s annual backpack distribution event, with more than 500 backpacks going to local kids.
“I’m grateful to have John Wall and his Foundation continue to give back,” Mayor Pro Tem Corey Branch said.. “John has a history of supporting his hometown with back-to-school drives and clinics.”
Wall will also visit Durant Road Middle School on Friday to distribute school supplies and talk with students.
5-time NBA All-Star
Wall played basketball at a handful of Wake County schools including Garner High and Broughton before playing at Word of God.
He was picked first overall in the 2010 draft and has been an NBA All-Star five times. Currently he’s a free agent after being released from the Houston Rockets this year. He last played 34 games with the LA Clippers.
In 2017, Wall began sponsoring the Holiday Invitational, a Raleigh basketball tournament featuring some of the top high school teams in the nation.
The Raleigh City Council will formally accept the donation, worth about $50,000, during Tuesday’s council meeting.
This story was originally published August 10, 2023, 3:15 PM.
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