Temple University Athletics
Photo by: Camille Simmons
Men’s Basketball Gives Back to Philly’s Youth
1.16.20 | Men's Basketball
Even in the beginning stages of conference play, the Temple men's basketball team finds time to give back to the community. Most recently, they headed to the North Philadelphia community to visit 7th and 8th graders at the William D. Kelly School for an open forum discussion on Jan. 9.
The Owls found the time during their hectic schedule to participate in a Q&A led by the school's principal. The team was able to offer advice to young students who admire them.
"We talk to our players about appreciating what you have as well as the importance of giving back," said Temple coach Aaron McKie, who grew up in North Philadelphia. "This was a great opportunity to do just that right in our own back yard."
This is not the first time the team has met with these students. The 8th graders had the opportunity to be in attendance last year as well. Junior forward J.P. Moorman noted, "the returners were really excited to see us and it was really exciting for us to see them!"
"We spoke with the kids about paying attention to the details and staying focused on what is important long term," said junior forward De'Vondre Perry.
This is more than just community service to the players, it's an opportunity to employ a personal connection to benefit the community. "Seeing people who came from the same environment as them is super helpful" added Perry. These athletes see themselves in the students, "I was able to make it out of the environment I was in and I want to see others succeed" said Perry.
Having the opportunity to be a role model is something that can lift student-athletes to the next level as well. Junior guard Nate Pierre-Louis said, "Seeing these kids gives me the motivation to do what I do."
Several Owls cited being in a similar situation when they were younger. Having role models come in during their formative years had a huge effect on many of the players. Moorman cited his experience on NBA All-Star Chris Paul's AAU Team. "Chris Paul came to give back and see us whenever he could and none of us forgot that!" .
One of the Owls' team captains, Moorman continues his giving back through work outside of Temple. During the summer of 2019, he served as the Social Media Director for Philly Youth Basketball where he got to work with the children of this community even further.
Putting in hours with the local community is nothing new for this team or this school. The team has met with students from many different schools over the past several years.
"We did something similar at the Thurgood Marshall School where we had gym class with the students. Continuing to do things like that is important because they see a lot of negative in their lives" said Perry.
Moorman cited Athletes Helping Athletes as an additional favorite act of giving this team undertook. The Athletic Department put on a field day with special needs athletes from local communities. "It's just joy there. These kids are full of fun and I feel like we make their day," said Moorman.
This team and this university continue to set a glowing example for generations of local students to come.
The Owls found the time during their hectic schedule to participate in a Q&A led by the school's principal. The team was able to offer advice to young students who admire them.
"We talk to our players about appreciating what you have as well as the importance of giving back," said Temple coach Aaron McKie, who grew up in North Philadelphia. "This was a great opportunity to do just that right in our own back yard."
This is not the first time the team has met with these students. The 8th graders had the opportunity to be in attendance last year as well. Junior forward J.P. Moorman noted, "the returners were really excited to see us and it was really exciting for us to see them!"
"We spoke with the kids about paying attention to the details and staying focused on what is important long term," said junior forward De'Vondre Perry.
This is more than just community service to the players, it's an opportunity to employ a personal connection to benefit the community. "Seeing people who came from the same environment as them is super helpful" added Perry. These athletes see themselves in the students, "I was able to make it out of the environment I was in and I want to see others succeed" said Perry.
Having the opportunity to be a role model is something that can lift student-athletes to the next level as well. Junior guard Nate Pierre-Louis said, "Seeing these kids gives me the motivation to do what I do."
Several Owls cited being in a similar situation when they were younger. Having role models come in during their formative years had a huge effect on many of the players. Moorman cited his experience on NBA All-Star Chris Paul's AAU Team. "Chris Paul came to give back and see us whenever he could and none of us forgot that!" .
One of the Owls' team captains, Moorman continues his giving back through work outside of Temple. During the summer of 2019, he served as the Social Media Director for Philly Youth Basketball where he got to work with the children of this community even further.
Putting in hours with the local community is nothing new for this team or this school. The team has met with students from many different schools over the past several years.
"We did something similar at the Thurgood Marshall School where we had gym class with the students. Continuing to do things like that is important because they see a lot of negative in their lives" said Perry.
Moorman cited Athletes Helping Athletes as an additional favorite act of giving this team undertook. The Athletic Department put on a field day with special needs athletes from local communities. "It's just joy there. These kids are full of fun and I feel like we make their day," said Moorman.
This team and this university continue to set a glowing example for generations of local students to come.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Basketball
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