by Liaudwin Seaberry Jr. —
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane is partnering with local non-profit group STREETS Ministries to host a back to school event at the FedExForum on Saturday afternoon.
The event, which takes place from noon to 3 p.m., will benefit 200 Memphis students in need of school supplies and other essentials needed to excel in the classroom. Des Day 2021 also plans to feature music, food, activities, and more.
Bane, drafted 30th overall by the Grizzlies during the 2020 NBA Draft, immediately fell in love with Memphis upon his arrival. He was not all too familiar with the city and its people prior to his rookie year, but has learned one thing: the city has a passion for basketball and for helping one another.
He’s eager and excited to be a part of such an environment and culture.
“Due to COVID-19, us rookies were not able to meet the fans like normal,” Bane said. “However, with the restrictions loosening up and more vaccines being distributed, I am eager to get out in the community and give back to the city.”
Bane attributes much of the credit for the event to STREETS Ministries, as he says they possessed the same vision for helping out at-need youths throughout the city of Memphis. As an NBA player, he acknowledges that he’s a role model to many young kids, but that is not something he runs from.
Bane embraces being someone kids look up to, and he is determined to exhibit the same amount of love he received from Memphis upon his arrival.
“I cannot wait to see the smiles on the faces of these kids on Saturday, because so many of them are in need of help, and I am passionate about helping people in the city,” Bane said.
“This is just the beginning of what I plan to do for the community of Memphis while I am here.”
