NBA Update: Ex-Lakers Star Donates $1 Million To His Former University

An NBA star expressed his gratitude to his former university in a special way.

Danny Green is considered one of the most lethal three-point shooters in the league today. But prior to becoming a three-time NBA champ, Green first tasted victory when his University of North Carolina Tar Heels team won the NCAA title in 2009.

To pay tribute to the team that made a huge impact in his career, Green decided to donate $1 million to UNC’s men’s basketball team, Tar Heels’ official website announced.

“It’s a great way for me to honor something that I’m very passionate about,” Green told Tar Heels’ official website. “It was an easy decision for me, because if I can help a kid and help the program that means so much to me, why wouldn’t I? Carolina is in my blood and it’s an honor to be part of it.”

Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams, who was also Green’s coach during the team’s sensational championship run in 2009, admitted that he found it “hard to even talk” about his former player’s touching gesture because of too many emotions.

"Danny Green loves this University just like [I] do, and I don't think there's anyone in the world who loves the University more than I do,” Williams pointed out. “To have one of my players say I want to be part of this was emotional. It's hard to even talk about. It makes me feel like someone else believes in this place the same way that Roy and Wanda Williams do, and that means so much to me.”

"Danny and I come from similar backgrounds in that it wasn't always smooth for us, but we had a lot of love in our families," the coach added. "He's a very, very bright young man, and he's very loyal to the University and to the basketball program. Any time you talk to Danny Green, it is always very clear how much he loves Carolina, both as a University and as a basketball program."

Green, now playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, recently received his championship ring, having won the NBA title with the Los Angeles Lakers last season.

Like he just did with the Tar Heels, the 33-year-old gave thanks to his former NBA team.

“Thank you to the whole lakers organization for putting together a great presentation for us and making us feel special,” Green wrote on Instagram “Always great seeing my brothers and extended family in LA...so much love, and an amazing time competing again on that floor.”