Two of Kentucky basketball’s most celebrated alumni, NBA superstar Anthony Davis and 2011 Mr. Basketball Anthony Hickey Jr., have announced a multi-million dollar endowment to their alma mater, aiming to support youth development and educational programs within the Kentucky Wildcats community.
The historic pledge, revealed in a joint press conference at Rupp Arena, will fund initiatives that promote athletic training, academic support, and mentorship for underprivileged youth across the state. The endowment is one of the largest ever made by former Kentucky players, reflecting both athletes’ commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape their careers.
“Kentucky gave us everything — a platform, a purpose, and a family,” said Davis, an NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist. “This is our way of passing it forward and making sure the next generation has even greater opportunities.”
Hickey Jr., who has remained active in community outreach since his college career, emphasized the importance of impact beyond the court. “This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about life skills, education, and support. We want to build a legacy of opportunity for kids growing up in places like we did.”
University officials praised the donation as a transformative step toward strengthening youth engagement and inclusivity through sports and education.
The endowment, set to be rolled out over the next five years, will also include scholarships, summer camps, and wellness initiatives, with a particular focus on underserved communities across Kentucky.
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