Despite a grueling season schedule, Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant makes it a point to make time for his extracurricular activities outside the basketball court. This is especially true when it comes to reaching out to the youth, as Durant has made it his own personal advocacy to help give a better future to underprivileged kids.

Durant is set to make an appearance in the inauguration of “The Durant Center,” a facility that aims to develop the youth towards a more promising future through academic training and socio-emotional support.

The Warrior star recently explained why this advocacy means so much to him on a personal level.

“At an early age, I started to realize how much this will alter and change my life,” Durant said, via Mark Medina of The Mercury News. “I had so many people that made sure I was focused, determined and disciplined with the task at hand. I wanted other kids to have the same type of every-day discipline.

“I had coaches and teachers that believed I could be something special. That’s where it starts,” Durant said. “Just older folks that believe and trust in your potential, whether it’s coaches, teachers or guidance counselors. You need someone with more experience who believe in you.”

Basketball molded Durant to become the man he is today, and he hopes to share this same opportunity to the youth.

“At an early age, I knew I loved basketball. I know what it feels like to know what you’re going to do in life in the NBA. A lot of kids don’t have that opportunity,” Durant said. “ I just want to help spark the flame I have as best as I can. So they can think about what they want to do. That’ll get he ball rolling.”

Kudos to Durant here for making sure that he is able to make the most of his position. After all, there are much more important things in life than winning on the hardwood.