OAKLAND, Calif. — As Damian Lillard arrived at Oakland High School, a wave of nostalgia swept over him. The familiar sights, like the swimming pool where he spent his final class as a senior and the theater that served as an escape from the classroom, brought back memories of his time as a student. He reminisced about the paths he used to take during lunch breaks when he was part of the Class of 2008, emphasizing how he cherishes his roots.
Reflecting on his past, Lillard recalled his days as an ordinary kid who had a slight reputation for being good at basketball, but never anticipated the remarkable career that awaited him. “They knew I was good at basketball, but none of this was expected,” he said, standing near a trophy case within the school. “When I think back on it, I always remind myself of how important the journey is. It’s those moments in that journey that give me chills sometimes about how it all happened.”
This weekend marks a significant occasion for Lillard, who is now a standout guard for the Milwaukee Bucks, returning home as an NBA All-Star. He is set to participate in events in Oakland and San Francisco, including attempting to win his third consecutive 3-point contest on Saturday and playing in the All-Star Game on Sunday, an event he has been selected for nine times.
Having started his journey as a two-star recruit, Lillard had to work hard to achieve success, first at Weber State, where he earned All-American honors, and later being drafted sixth overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012. His accomplishments have culminated in being recognized as an All-NBA player and an Olympic gold medalist.
Lillard returned to Oakland High on Thursday to lend a hand to current students, unveiling The Damian Lillard Scholars program, which aims to ease the college transition. He announced that scholarships totaling $25,000 will be awarded to students from nine high schools in the East Bay, specifically aimed at assisting with tuition for those who choose to attend Portland State, where his professional career began.
For Oakland High senior Princess Momoh-Danga, who has applied to Portland State, Lillard’s initiative means a great deal. “Him providing this opportunity … it means a lot,” she said.
Lillard’s financial contribution was the lead gift for this initiative and will provide recipients with additional assistance for necessities like food, housing, clothing, and textbooks. His supporters from Portland have also joined in on this endeavor.
“The opportunity to offer this scholarship to East Bay students while partnering with one of Portland’s most inspiring civic leaders is a source of immense pride for us,” stated Ann Cudd, President of Portland State. “Damian Lillard has given so much to Portland that he is regarded as one of our own. Partnering with him to create pathways for his hometown students to achieve a PSU education is incredibly exciting.”
Currently, 27 students eligible for Lillard’s scholarship, including six from his former high school, have applied to Portland State, with 15 having already been admitted. Lillard maintains a strong connection to the school due to his sister being an alum, along with the significant role Portland has played in his life.
Offering scholarships of this magnitude is not something Lillard takes lightly. He expressed his desire to make a more substantial impact. “If I’m going to do it, I want to do it in a way that genuinely supports people and serves as a source of inspiration,” he explained.
Each time Lillard returns to the Bay Area, it holds immense significance for him. He has averaged 25.9 points in 18 regular-season NBA games played in the region, a feat matched by only a few legendary players such as Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. In those games, Lillard has made 64 three-pointers, second only to James Harden among visiting players.
“It means everything to be home,” Lillard remarked. “Reaching this point in my career and life and returning to see familiar faces and everything that has shaped me is always a gratifying experience.”
