Rockets superstar James Harden surprised a group of youth basketball players in Houston this week by participating in a in a “pop-a-shot” tournament sponsored by BodyArmor.
BodyArmor is a sports drink endorsed by Harden.
Members of a summer youth team arrived Thursday night at the Kroger on Westheimer, in Houston’s Westchase area, believing they were simply taking part in an arcade-style tournament.
But according to Houston’s ABC 13, Harden arrived at the grocery store with a Sharpie in hand and added himself to the bracket.
He spoke with reporters after the event:
It’s all about the kids. It’s just a blessing to have so many outlets, and so many brands and companies, that want to help youth not only be successful, but make an impact around the world.
The children in the tournament, ranging from nine to 12 years old, received free BodyArmor-branded prizes and, most importantly, the chance to meet and even compete against Harden.
The NBA’s 2018 MVP met with the kids, answered their questions, and took pictures for approximately an hour.
Harden regularly organizes charity events for children through his 3 The Harden Way foundation, which offers scholarships and internship opportunities for students facing economic adversity.
Last month, Harden pledged more than $240,000 to renovate outdoor basketball courts in under-served areas of Houston that were ravaged by Hurricane Harvey two years ago.
Harden averaged a career-high 36.1 points per game last season to go with 7.5 assists and 6.6 rebounds. He and the rest of the Rockets will report to training camp for the 2019-20 NBA season later this month.
