Detroit Pistons small forward Tobias Harris received the October NBA Cares Community Assist Award last week, recognizing his leadership and dedication to mentoring at-risk youth throughout the community.
This award recognizes the player who best reflects the passion that the league and its players share for giving back to their communities.
Harris is a University of Tennessee alum that spent his first few seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Orlando Magic, where he made a name for himself as a go-to scorer.
He was then traded to Detroit halfway through last season, and despite only making 38 appearances for the team in his short stint as a Piston, he's made himself a crowd favorite with his blue collar work ethic and unassuming character.
The 6-foot-9 forward created the Tobias Harris School of Business Mentoring Program with help from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). The program matches local high school students with mentors from professional sports, business and education, the program is designed to provide students with scholastic resources and academic support for their road in education and professional development.
It’s important to give back to the community and make an impact with youth most in need of guidance,” said Harris upon being informed of his award. “In a world where more leaders are needed, mentorship is the first step to try to effect real change.”
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