NBA All-Star, Former Bruin Russell Westbrook Gives Back to UCLA Basketball

Four-time NBA All-Star and former Bruin standout Russell Westbrook made a “significant” donation toward the construction of UCLA’s planned basketball training facility and will have the men’s basketball practice court named in his honor, the university announced Monday.

Although the amount was not released, UCLA officials called it the largest donation by a former basketball player in the university’s history.

Westbook, in his eighth NBA season with the Oklahoma City Thunder, played two years at UCLA, helping take the Bruins to the NCAA Final Four in 2007 and 2008.

“Russell isn’t merely a dominant force in the NBA, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the community as well,” UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said. “While his ‘Why Not?’ Foundation’s mission is to inspire the lives of children and teach them to never give up, the fact of the matter is, having witnessed firsthand and from afar his growth over the years, Russell himself is an inspiration.”

His donation will go toward construction of the Mo Ostin Basketball Center training facility, named in honor of music industry executive Morris “Mo” Ostin, who donated $10 million to the project. Including his gift and Westbrook’s donation, more than $17 million has been raised toward the project, according to UCLA.

In recognition of his gift, the men’s basketball practice court at the facility will be named “Russell Westbrook Court.” Westbrook will be honored at UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion on Jan. 7, when the Bruins play host to the Arizona Wildcats.

“I loved my time at UCLA and jumped at the opportunity to give back to the university that provided me with amazing opportunities and great memories,” Westbrook said. “I am truly honored to be part of the legacy that is Bruin basketball.”

--City News Service, photo courtesy of UCLA Basketball