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The Players’ Tribune has an article today written by former Bruin and current Cleveland Cavalier Kevin Love. In it, Love discusses UCLA in detail. He writes about his experiences there, his relationship with Russell Westbrook (the thermostat portion is particularly funny), and how he decided to attend UCLA over North Carolina.
At the end of the article, Love writes:
UCLA will always be my home. That’s why I’ve decided I want to give back for everything I’ve received. It only made sense to give back to the place that helped shape my basketball career. So this year I am donating to the construction of the Mo Ostin Basketball Center — specifically to the new strength and conditioning center within the facility, which I’m excited will be named The Kevin Love Strength and Conditioning Center.
Meanwhile, the UCLA Athletic Department has officially announced Love’s contribution. The article on the official site calls Love’s donation "a significant financial contribution" and noting that it matched the previous contribution made by Russell Westbrook, while declining to mention the actual size of the contribution.
However, based on an older list of naming opportunities, it appears that Love’s contribution is at least a minimum of $1 million.
In thanking Love for his generosity, UCLA Athletic Director Dan Guerrero said:
The impact Kevin has had on our program, both during his time in Westwood and in the years that have followed, is dramatic. Whether you're here one year or five, you are, and always will be, a Bruin. From his selflessness and dedication on the court here in Pauley Pavilion to the thoughtfulness and philanthropy he has exhibited as an NBA star, Kevin is a tremendous ambassador for this university. To see him, still very early in his life journey, give back to the UCLA Basketball program in this way is certainly a testament to the bonds our student-athletes build here. While we are grateful for his generosity, we are even more proud of the remarkable man Kevin has become.
And, in case you needed another reason to attend this weekend’s Stanford football game, Love will be honored for his generosity during the first quarter break. Also, the first 10,000 fans at Saturday’s game will receive a commorative Kevin Love poster.
Go Bruins!!!