NBA All-Star Chris Paul Donates $2.5M to His Alma Mater

Wake Forest University announced on Tuesday that former guard Chris Paul is donating $2.5 million to the school’s basketball program. It is the largest gift by a former basketball player or alumna under the age of 35.

The contribution will be used to “transform the men’s and women’s basketball clubhouses with expanded and enhanced locker rooms, nutrition resources and treatment areas.” The men’s locker room will be named in Paul’s honor.

“The locker room transformation project inspired me, because that’s where players build relationships and create a unifying camaraderie that is the foundation of success on the court,” the North Carolina native said in the announcement. “Forming lifelong friendships with your teammates is one of the most rewarding aspects of sports.”

The nine-time NBA All-star played for Wake Forest beginning in 2003. Paul earned First Team All-ACC honors during his second and final season with the Demon Deacons. He was drafted to the NBA in 2005 and has since played for the New Orleans Hornets, the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets.