Kevin Durant and the Durant Family Foundation’s $500,000 pledge to Bowie State University (BSU) last year has come to fruition as the university unveiled the newly renovated basketball facility last week.
BSU held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new court in the A.C. Jordan Arena and it was attended by Kevin’s mother and head of the foundation, Wanda Durant.
“When I walked into the gym I wasn’t expecting this,” Wanda said. “It was so bright, revived, refreshed. It brought back memories of when my sons played here in the early years.”
The donation provided upgrades to the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex, including a new basketball court, expanded seating capacity, upgraded bleachers, and a refurbished press box.
BSU President Aminta Breaux spoke about the significance of the donation, noting that the university does not receive state funding for its athletics program.
“Bowie State’s partnership with the Durant Family Foundation has made our vision of an upgraded gymnasium a reality with improvements to the court and seating,” Breaux said. “This half-a-million-dollar gift by the Durant Family Foundation to Bowie State’s athletic department transformed basketball and it will energize the students behind me to get some wins. ”
Breaux also spoke about how the new basketball court will improve the student experience. “But it’s also about the overall student experience, and making sure that the students have the quality of facilities that they need… The Durant Foundation has stepped up in a unique and wonderful way to make this possible,” said Breaux.
The donation also is going toward establishing a scholarship for Durant Center College Track students who attend Bowie State University.
Wanda spoke about the importance of donating to HBCUs and that she hopes other athletes will follow her son’s lead.
“I am grateful to my son for his generous heart,” Wanda said. “I am grateful that he realized that it’s important for him to give back to an HBCU, and maybe he will be a catalyst for other athletes in the area and throughout the country to give back to HBCUs.”
