PHOENIX –NBA MVP James Harden is known for his stellar playmaking on the court, but his best career assist might’ve been off the court. The 11-time All-Star announced on Tuesday that he is making a six-figure contribution to the ASU’s Sun Angel Collective to help with its NIL program.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Harden had this to say below:
James Harden on his six-figure contribution to the Sun Angel Collective:
“I wanted to be part of helping the team and school get players. We’re a very, very great program … If NIL is the problem, then I can help with that.”@DevilsDigest
???? @FOS— Justin LaCertosa (@LaCertosaSports) February 25, 2025
Harden wanted to help his Alma mater be competitive in this new NIL wave of college athletics that ASU has struggled to manage. However, Arizona State head football coach Kenny Dillingham saved the program from the depths of a 3-win season to the College Football playoffs by having his calling card of “activating the valley.” The mantra has worked on Harden, who lives in Scottsdale, to make this “high six-figure” donation to continue to elevate the university to new heights.
Jan 11, 2018; Tempe, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden and Arizona State Sun Devils former player attends a Sun Devils game against the Oregon Ducks during the first half at Wells-Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
The basketball program hasn’t been able to match Dillingham’s success, stranded at 13-14. However, Harden to Front Office Sports said, “There’s a part of this sport where you can’t be great every single year,” and stays in communication with head coach Bobby Hurley on how to improve the roster. Harden’s donation already helped land five-star freshman center Jayden Quaintance, who originally committed to Kentucky last year.
ASU is now retooled for the future to be a serious program in this competitive NIL market of college athletics, thanks to Harden.
ASU legend James Harden competed in possibly last All-Star Game
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
