NBA Star & BGC Alumn Gives Back

Former BGC member and recent pick for NBA’s Houston Rockets, Jalen Green, paid his hometown a visit on July 17th with an amazing gift for Fresno youth—the renovation of a popular basketball court dubbed, The Cage. The Cage is located in Koligian Park in Northwest Fresno. He and his partner Adidas, renovated the entire court, from top to bottom, leaving the iconic chain linked fence wrapped around the court.

“This is where I was raised. I grew up here. I learned a lot here. I made friends here,” said Jalen Green.

When Jalen wasn’t shooting hoops at the West Fresno Boys & Girls Club, he and his friends would have outdoor competitions at Koligian Park. Many of his friends, family, and supporters attended the rededication ceremony. Many of them took photos with Jalen and got their autographs knowing that he could be the Number 1 pick at the upcoming NBA Draft, July 29th

Mayor Jerry Dyer was also in attendance. “This is unique,” he says, “we have an individual who has almost signed his first NBA contract and is willing to come back and give to his community. He knows where he came from. These are his roots—right here at The Cage… I believe he is going to be the top pick in the NBA.”

Many BGC Staff members have supported Jalen since he was a child. Growing up, at the West Fresno Boys & Girls Club, staff members were dedicated in giving him a safe place to learn, grow, and build self-confidence. This is the mission for all Boys & Girls Clubs staff. Today, West Fresno staff supports Jalen and his raise to fame.

“If your dream is to get to the big leagues, put your mind into it. Put the work in and the time into it. That’s the only way you’re going to get there—is putting the time into it. Whatever you put your mind to, you can accomplish,” said Jalen Green.