St. John's Prep's Pat Connaughton Earns NBA Community Cares Award

DANVERS, MA — Former St. John's Prep of Danvers star and Milwaukee Bucks guard Pat Connaughton was honored for his extensive effort to help build skills and character through youth basketball clinics and court donations with the Offseason NBA Cares Community Assist Award.

The Arlington native, who went on to star in baseball and basketball at St. John's Prep and Notre Dame, is the founder of the Pat Connaughton Foundation, which has a mission of aiming to "inspire and motivate youth athletes to put their dreams into action — whatever their dreams may be."

Connaughton conducted several clinics in the Milwaukee and Boston areas this summer, including at one of his Connaughton Courts at his alma mater in Danvers. At his clinic at St. Augustine Prep in Milwaukee this summer, he donated $50,000 to create brand new basketball courts that provide a high-end gym experience for inner city students and community members, as well as a safe place to play.

On Sept. 7 the Pat Connaughton Foundation announced its partnership with Reagan High School in Milwaukee to provide a new Connaughton Court. The court is set to open in 2023.

"As a multi-sport athlete, sport has taught me some of life's most valuable lessons — hard work, teamwork, accountability, discipline, and commitment," Connaughton said in an NBA release. "I want to give back to the communities I call home and provide our next generation with opportunities and life lessons through the lens of youth sports.

"My goal is always to show kids their potential and inspire them to dream big. Whether they want to be a professional athlete, a scientist, a teacher, or anything else when they grow up, it's possible. The lessons and values that they learn on the court translate across their lives and can help them achieve incredible things."

The NBA will donate $10,000 to the Pat Connaughton Foundation as part of the award.

"I am honored to be in a position and have a platform that allows me to inspire the next generation of student athletes and shape them into our future leaders," Connaughton said.

Connaughton was presented with the award during an oncourt ceremony before the Bucks' home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday at 7 p.m. (CST).

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)