Grant Hill

Board of Directors

Grant Hill is more than just a professional basketball player. However, it is not only Hill’s on-court play making and talent that impresses people. It’s also his off-court personality that truly makes him transcend beyond the court. Hill’s strong work ethic, humble and gracious attitude, academic achievements, and strong family ties combined with his overwhelming success and good sportsmanship on the court, makes him a perfect choice for a role model. Although many athletes shy away from being labeled as a role model, Hill embraces the idea. Off the court, he tries to lead by setting positive examples.

He has said that the adulation society showers upon its athletes obliges him to use his influence for good. Hill’s concerns vary in scope. He lends his support not only to a variety of national issues but to local issues as well. Hill was recently awarded a key to the city of Reston, Virginia, where he was raised with the proceeds from that reception going to the Medical Care for Children Partnership, which provides medical services for needy children in the county. Hill also appeared on behalf of Foot Locker and Fila, at a Detroit middle school to kick-off a program designed to replace backboards in 250 area schools. In addition, GMC Trucks sponsored Hill’s visit to the Michigan Special Olympics Women’s basketball team where he spoke, joked, and shot baskets with the players.

At Duke, Hill volunteered for the Read with the Blue Devil’s literacy program. In 1993, he served as the Co-Chairperson of Durham’s Project Graduation, which promoted a drug and alcohol-free graduation party for high school students.

Paul Pierce

Paul Pierce, nicknamed The Truth, is the heart and soul of the NBA World Champion Boston Celtics. A model of perseverance, Pierce was cut from the varsity team his freshman and sophomore years but decided to work harder and keep trying to make the team. His hard work paid off as he not only made the team, he also participated in the 1995 McDonald’s All-American Game, the premier game for high school seniors in the nation.

After High School, Paul attended the University of Kansas where he majored in Crime and Delinquency Studies. Playing for Hall of Fame coach Roy Williams, Pierce averaged 16.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game in his three seasons at the University of Kansas, and earned MVP honors in the Big 12 Conference Tournament in both 1997 and 1998 and earned first team All-America honors in his junior year at Kansas.

The Boston Celtics selected Paul with the 10th overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft, where he has played his entire professional career and has been the captain. Pierce has averaged 22.9 points per game over his 11-year NBA career and is a 7-time NBA All-Star. In 2008 he led the Celtics to their 17th NBA Championship title and was named MVP.

As impressive as Paul as been on the court, his off the court accomplishments are even more remarkable. In 2002 Paul founded The Truth Fund as a means to streamline his charitable efforts and connect with disadvantaged children in the Greater Boston area and his hometown of Inglewood, CA. The organization’s mission is to provide educational and life-enriching opportunities for disadvantaged youth. The vision of the Fund is to ensure that opportunities are available for young people to recognize their dreams through mentoring programs, technology and other educational needs as well as to foster stable and safe environments for children. Most recently, Paul announced the formation of his newest program through the Foundation, which is called THE TRUTH ON HEALTH. This initiative aims to empower and encourage young people to lead healthier lives in an effort to prevent obesity. Now, looking to extend his work, Paul agreed to become the Chairman of nPLAY, so he can address the issue of Children’s Obesity on a national level.

Kenny Anderson

Arguably the most legendary playground basketball player ever to grace the playgrounds of New York City, retired NBA All-Star Kenny Anderson now resides in Southern Florida with his wife and Children. After a 14 year career, he now spends his time as a husband, father dedicated to giving back to the community whenever possible.

After being one of the most decorated players in the history of New York City, Anderson played two years for Georgia Tech, helping lead his team to the Final Four in 1990. Later in 1990 Kenny represented his country in the 1990 FIBA World Championship, winning the bronze medal.
Following his sophomore year, Anderson chose to enter the NBA draft. Selected by the New Jersey Nets with the second pick in the 1991 NBA Draft, he was the youngest player in the league at that time. In his 3rd season, Kenny became an All-Star, representing the Eastern squad in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game.

Anderson had the privilege of playing in numerous cities throughout his career which gave him a unique perspective into life in different areas of the country. Charlotte, New Orleans, New Jersey, Boston, Portland, Seattle, Indiana, Atlanta and Los Angeles are places he has called home.

When not with his family he coaches AAU basketball teams and most recently coached a team in the CBA. His interest in giving back to the community is now top on his list of priorities. Looking to inspire the youth of today to become healthier, more driven and educated, he want to help inspire them to achieve their maximum potential so they can become successful and productive members of society.

Jerry Stackhouse

Jerry Stackhouse is a 13 year NBA veteran who currently plays for the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. Born in North Carolina in 1974, the youngest of 11 children, Stackhouse was a premier player from the time he was a sophomore in high school. He was the state player of the year for North Carolina in 1991-1992, leading Kinston (N.C) High School to the state finals. His senior year, he played for Oak Hill Academy leading them to an undefeated season. He was a two-time first team Parade All-America selection, and was the named Most Valuable Player of the McDonald’s High School All-America Game.

Stackhouse attended the University of North Carolina, where he played for legendary coach Dean Smith and where he led the team to the ACC title his freshman year. After being named the 1994 NCAA Player of the year, Stackhouse declared his eligibility for the 1995 NBA Draft where was selected as the third pick of the draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Unlike many professional athletes who have left school early, Jerry spent his off seasons working towards his degree. On December 18, 1999 Jerry made a special trip to UNC to receive his bachelor’s degree in African American Studies. He was so eager to graduate from UNC that he piled on eight hours of course work in the month before NBA training camp to finish up.

Off the court, Jerry founded the Triple Threat Foundation (TTF) in 2002 after witnessing the horrible effects of Diabetes firsthand. Two of his sisters lost the battle to Diabetes and his parents are both currently living with the disease. The Foundation’s goals are to increase funding for Diabetes-related research, patient care, and prevention; promote the importance of daily physical activity and maintaining a proper diet; and encourage behavioral changes that lesson the risk of Diabetes and other serious medical conditions caused by obesity. Looking to expand his work on the obesity epidemic, Jerry has joined the board of nPLAY.