76ers forward Danny Green donates $1 million to basketball program at UNC

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Danny Green's contribution on the court for the Philadelphia 76ers pales in comparison to the contribution he is making off the court.

The Sixers forward is donating $1 million to his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, which will provide scholarships through the basketball program.

"I never thought when I was younger I would have this amount of money to give away, and to help provide for younger youth to be able to go to school. It's a blessing," said Green.

Green has been passionate about giving back since he was a kid growing up in New York, a quality his father instilled in him at a young age.

"Even if you aren't poor or rich, you are still in the minority, not given the chances. You are still looked at as the African-American kid from these areas least likely to succeed," Green said.

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Green has been helping others succeed since his days at North Carolina, and he has continued to give back throughout his NBA career from working with the Special Olympics to Christmas shopping drives to help those less fortunate.

"It could change their day, it could change their life. If I'm able to do this, why not do it? I enjoy helping," Green says.

The 76ers forward was made aware of the need to help fund scholarships at North Carolina through former Sixer Eric Montross, who now helps raise money for the university. Like many institutions, they've been hurt by the pandemic, so Green said, 'I'm in,' and he can't wait to one day meet those impacted.

"I can't wait to meet the first and the last," he added.

Green is paying it forward, after all, so many people in his life have helped him become the person and player he is today with the Sixers.