BOTHELL, Wash. — NBA star and former Bothell High School basketball player Zach LaVine returned to his hometown for a surprise visit, to give back to the school where he got his start.
At a student body assembly to begin the school year, LaVine, a 2012 graduate of Bothell, unveiled a gift in the gymnasium: a brand-new floor for the gym.
"I wanted to give back. This isn't a one-time thing," LaVine told KING 5's Jake Whittenberg.
LaVine paid the entire $100,000 cost of refinishing the floor. The school also announced his jersey will be hung in the gym, while 'LaVine Court' is now emblazoned on the hardwood, with his signature.
"I grew up here and lived across the street with my grandma," LaVine told the student body. "I have so many memories."
LaVine was named Washington's Mr. Basketball in high school and went on to play one year at UCLA, before being drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves as the 13th overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He also was part of Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics, where he helped bring home a gold medal.
LaVine returned to Bothell, with his fiancé and first child Saint, where the announcement was made.
"I play basketball, so playing on this new court will be pretty special," said one student.
LaVine was asked about the message he wanted to send to the younger generation.
"It takes one year of your life to change," said LaVine. "I went from Bothell, to playing against Kobe and LeBron when I was 18 years old. Work hard. Care about your craft and sacrifice your time for something that you love, and you can make it happen."