Men’s Basketball to Participate in NABC Reading Program

Nov. 10, 2005

The Clemson basketball team will participate in the NABC Reading Program, which is an annual national literacy program sponsored by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Players from the Tiger basketball squad will be visiting the local Central and Clemson Elementary schools to promote the importance of reading and education to children.

Tiger players Akin Akingbala, Steve Allen, Vernon Hamilton, Troy Mathis, James Mays, and Sam Perry will be visiting Central Elementary on December 2. Speaking at Clemson Elementary on December 5th will be Akingbala, Allen, Mathis, and Perry.

The NABC Reading Program was founded to assist the literacy movement in America. The program hopes to motivate and encourage children to read for enjoyment as a lifelong practice. The program will also allow collegiate basketball players to serve as needed role models to the youth of their community.

“We think this is a great way to serve young people,” said Jim Haney, NABC Executive Director.

The NABC was founded in 1927 and currently claims approximately 5000 members from NCAA Divisions I, II, III, NAIA, junior college, and high school. Since its inception, the NBAC has continually worked to further the best interests of the game of basketball as well as the players and coaches who participate in the sport.