Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green is spending some of his new, $80 million-plus contract on his alma mater.
Green donated $3.1 million to Michigan State, it was announced Thursday.
Draymond Green talks about his decision to give MSU Athletics $3.1 million. http://t.co/4fITi8CUWs
— Spartan Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) September 11, 2015
It’s the largest single gift the school’s hoops program has received from a former student-athlete to date.
From the press release:
Continuing on the extraordinary tradition of former Michigan State student-athletes giving back, Draymond Green has made a $3.1 million contribution to MSU Athletics in support of the men’s basketball program. With his gift, pending Board of Trustee approval, The Draymond Green Strength and Conditioning Center at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center will be named in his honor. In addition, a portion of Green’s gift will fund an endowment for the program.
It is the fourth gift given to MSU Athletics of $1 million or more by a former MSU student-athlete turned professional, following Steve Smith (’99), Earvin “Magic” Johnson (’12), and Flozell Adams (’14). Overall, more than 2,400 former MSU student-athletes have donated over $22 million (all-time) in philanthropic support back to MSU Athletics.
Draymond Green, a native of Saginaw, Michigan, is a 4-year letterwinner in men’s basketball at MSU and graduated in 2012 with a Communication Arts & Sciences degree. Green, entering his fourth NBA season, helped guide the Golden State Warriors to the 2015 NBA Championship, while earning first-team NBA All-Defensive Team honors and finishing second in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. […] “Michigan State means everything to me. I grew up in Saginaw and was lucky enough to attend Michigan State University where Coach Izzo believed in me and gave me the chance to succeed. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my Spartan experience and this donation reflects my deep appreciation to the University. This donation isn’t just about me. I want more kids to have the opportunities I had thanks to Michigan State and want to use this to stimulate all Spartans to give back to the best university in the world.” – Draymond Green.
