JAMEER NELSON AND BRANDON BASS VISIT TO MEMORIAL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jameer Nelson and Orlando Magic teammate Brandon Bass visited Memorial Middle School on Monday, February 14th as part of the After-School All-Star Hoops Hero’s program.

Their visit included:

- The girls’ Step Team, where Jameer and Brandon joined the practice routine and were taught a few steps.
- Visited the reading program which also combined elements of educational enrichment centered around black history month.
- Participated in designing posters/murals of famous black leaders, as well as a discussion on MLK’s “I have dream” speech
- Watched the flag football game that is part of our “Sports as a Hook” program.

After finishing the program tour, Jameer and Brandon participated in a Q&A session with over 100 students. Questions ranged from what types of pressures and dangers did they experience growing up to what kind of student where you in school. Jameer and Brandon thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the visit was a great success for all parties involved!

About After-School All-Stars (ASAS)

Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs that equip children with the skills and experiences needed to become productive members of the 21st century workforce. Every day, children participate in free programs that include academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health/fitness activities. The organization’s mission is to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. Nearly 81,000 children from families of poverty benefit in 12 U.S. areas: Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area and South Florida. For more information, visit www.as-as.org.

About ASAS Hoop Heroes Program
In 2009, After-School All-Stars partnered with NBA players through the Hoop Heroes program to raise funding for after-school programs. As part of Hoop Heroes, athletes will make donations throughout the 2010-11 NBA regular season based on the stat of their choice. In addition to Nelson and Bass (Magic), NBA players involved in the program include LeBron James (Heat), Chris Paul (Hornets), Chris Bosh (Heat), Mike Miller (Heat), Thaddeus Young (76ers) and Devin Harris (Nets). During the season, basketball fans will be able to track their favorite players at www.hoopheroes.org or text “ASAS” to 20222 to make a $10 donation.

About Jameer Nelson
Born February 9th, 1982 in Chester, Pennsylvania, Jameer Nelson is currently the co- Captain and starting point guard for the Orlando Magic. Since his basketball career began, Jameer has been involved with many special teams. In 2000, under legendary coach Fred Pickett, Jameer lead Chester High to a state championship. In 2004, Jameer starred on the memorable 31-2 St Joe’s Hawks team and won every major collegiate award that year (James Naismith Award, John Wooden Award). After being picked by the Denver Nuggets 20th overall in 2004, then traded to the Orlando Magic, Jameer started on what has been a spectacular NBA career so far. Jameer lives by the philosophy of being “the best teammate”. Every year, Jameer bring his whole Orlando Magic team to Philadelphia for a week of team bonding and fun. In 2008, in remembrance of his father, Jameer started the Pete and Jameer Nelson Foundation. The foundation uses Jameer’s “best teammate” philosophy and works to instill it in each child involved in with the foundation.

About Brandon Bass
Born April 30, 1985 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Brandon Bass is a power forward for the Orlando Magic. Despite only spending two years in a Tiger uniform, Brandon Bass made quite the impression at the LSU and within the SEC.Bass started all 59 games in his LSU career and posted averages of 15.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as a Tiger and the first of the Tigers’ three-straight SEC Freshmen of the Year in 2004, Bass led all conference freshmen in scoring and rebounding. Brandon entered the NBA Draft after his sophomore season in 2005 and was selected in the second round by the New Orleans Hornets. Just like on the court, off the court Brandon continues to be a team player by helping the community with his Brandon Bass Reach Back Foundation. The mission of the Brandon Bass Reach Back Foundation is to provide a diverse range of programs and activities designed to encourage and enhance the lives of underprivileged youth in disadvantaged communities. The summer of 2009, Brandon hosted a free basketball camp in Baton Rouge for youth in the community and in 2007 he held a similar basketball camp for underprivileged youth in Fort Worth, TX.

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