For anyone who ever watched Jamal Crawford play basketball, you know it was one of the best treats a basketball fan could ask for to see him take to the NBA court. His uncanny ability to score from anywhere on the floor with a flair for the dramatic in the final moments was must-see action.
Yet, what he’s always done off the floor and continues to do in his community is somehow even better.
That was on display at Crawford’s alma mater, Rainier Beach High School in Seattle on Saturday, with the dedication of the Betty Patu Library, the Michael S. Bethea Athletic Complex, and of course, the re-dedication of Jamal Crawford Court.
As the new facilities were open for a tour with “phase 3” complete, it was a fantastic opportunity for so many to reflect on the storied past and certainly what’s to come with the incredible new facilities.
“I’m not sure you could describe it,” Crawford told KOMO News at the event.
“Ms. Patu is a pillar, Coach Mike’s a pillar. But it’s not so much about the name on the building, it’s the fact that you can’t have a name on the building if you don’t impact lives. You’re not just great at what you do, you have to inspire others to be great and they’ve done that. They’ve been an example for all of us so it means everything,” Crawford added.
Jamal has certainly done that, too.
While the nearly two decades in the NBA was inspiration in its own way, showing kids in the Rainier Beach community that there is a path to greatness. He’s also paid so much forward over the years. Who can forget his Crossover Basketball Summer League which brought the likes of LeBron James and Jayson Tatum among so many others to Seattle — for kids to watch play for free.
When the Vikings won the boys basketball WIAA State Championship this winter, it was Crawford on the sidelines helping the team go all the way.
The reality is, if we tried to list every endeavor that Jamal has undertaken to better the greater Seattle area and so many others in need we’d assuredly miss something because the good deeds are countless.
So to have the new court re-dedicated as Jamal Crawford Court? It’s perfect.
“It’s unreal you don’t even think about stuff like that,” Crawford said of the honor.
“I have pictures of me at Rainier Beach when I was 6 or 7 years old. So the fact that we’re here now and this is named after me, this will outlive me. I’m just thankful, very, very humbled and thankful,” Crawford added.
They don’t come any better than Crawford.
It’s easy to forget, just because he’s successful and has a platform his life on the court and off it has provided, he’s not required to do anything out of the ordinary.
Just don’t tell that to Jamal.
Because as much as any pro athlete, Crawford made sure to give back in any way possible. It was on display once again on Saturday.
With the usual grace and wisdom that Jamal provides, he enjoyed the special day but was more excited about Rainier Beach’s future with a stellar foundation now enhanced with the better opportunities the new additions at the high school will offer kids for years to come.
“I think it’s important for the next generation because I came from same turf, same streets that they did. So if I can walk the street and do it, they absolutely can,” Jamal said.
It’s a tall task to fill that sort of role one day, but make no mistake, they have the best example possible to follow.
