Kevin Obanor is dedicated to promoting love. The 25-year-old forward received the NBA G-League’s Bob Lanier Community Assist Award on Friday, just before the Raptors 905’s home opener. G-League president Shareef Abdur-Rahim presented Obanor with a $10,000 cheque in a pre-game ceremony to support his charitable efforts.
I just want to spread love, you know? There’s a lot of violence in the world, and I feel there’s not enough love out there,” Obanor expressed the day before he was honored. “I strive to serve others as Christ served us. “I’ve made it my mission to spread love, joy, and happiness throughout the world and to make a positive impact on as many lives as possible.” The Lanier award is presented monthly during the regular season to a player who exemplifies the commitment that G-League and NBA players have to giving back to their communities. Obanor and his non-profit organization launched the first KO’s Rising Stars Camp in Lubbock, Texas, this summer.
He welcomed 100 kids aged seven to 17 to a basketball camp that featured skills training, giveaways, and treats, alongside him and the camp coaches. “Basketball is what I do, but it’s not who I am,” Obanor stated. “I identify as a man of God, someone eager to help others and make a difference. “I see it as a great opportunity to become the best basketball player I can be, so I can use that platform to help as many people as possible.” Currently, Obanor is averaging 3.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in four games with Raptors 905, the G-League affiliate of the Toronto Raptors, who faced the Long Island Nets on Friday night in Mississauga, Ontario. “Kevin is a unique player who contributes to the community through organized events and spontaneous acts of kindness,” noted Raptors 905 general manager Luke Winn.
Even in his early days with us, during pre-season workouts with the Raptors, and before earning any professional salary, he spent his free time helping homeless individuals shop for necessary items. “He has maintained that same spirit of generosity and selflessness throughout his time with the 905.” Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic mentioned after Thursday’s 110-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves that the entire NBA team would support the 905 at their home opener. “We’re one family. We function as one team, and that’s how we operate,” Rajakovic affirmed. “It will be fantastic to see our guys play, and we’ll be cheering for them to secure the win.” This report by The Canadian Press was initially published on Nov. 22, 2024. — John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press
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