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<\/p>\nHENDERSON (KTNV) \u2014 Between NBA Summer League events, Denver Nuggets guard and Las Vegas native Julian Strawther spent Saturday back where his basketball journey began.<\/p>\n
The Liberty High School graduate hosted his first backpack giveaway at his alma mater, providing backpacks and school supplies to local students before the start of the school year.<\/p>\n
WATCH | Taylor Rocha caught up with Strawther, who shared what the day meant to him:<\/p>\n
Las Vegas native Julian Strawther hosts backpack giveaway at Liberty High School<\/p>\n
For Strawther, the event brought back memories of his own childhood excitement.<\/p>\n
\u201cI used to love to back-to-school shop, get some new fresh pencils, my favorite color binder,\u201d he said. \u201cI was always looking forward to that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, he’s hoping to create those same moments for the next generation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means the world just to see everybody smiling, having a good time,\u201d Strawther said. \u201cThe main thing is just being able to get them supplies and things that they need to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
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KTNV<\/p>\n
Giving back is personal for the Las Vegas native.<\/p>\n
After losing his mother at age 9, Strawther said the community rallied around his family and encouraged him throughout his journey to the NBA.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis community literally did nothing but shower me with love since I was a kid,\u201d he said. \u201cThey always pushed me. Everybody showed me love, and there’s nothing for me to give back.\u201d<\/p>\n
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KTNV<\/p>\n
Parents at the event said seeing one of the city’s own return to invest in local children leaves a lasting impression.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives them hope,\u201d parent Dana Burd said. \u201cI think they’re just excited. I don’t think they know how much it takes to get there, but it gives them that inspiration.\u201d<\/p>\n
Strawther’s sister, Paige, said the event reflected who her brother has always been off the court.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is like a big teddy bear,\u201d she said. \u201cHe loves very hard, loves to support and help other people. So this right here is kind of who he is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Strawther also reflected on the person he wished could have experienced the day with him.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe would be elated,\u201d he said of his late mother. \u201cShe always kept a big smile on her face, and she would’ve been the biggest personality in the room today, so I know she’s here with us.\u201d<\/p>\n
His message to the children who attended was straightforward.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce you find your passion, just keep going,\u201d Strawther said. \u201cIt’s gonna be ups and downs, and that’s just a part of it. But your drive will put you through everything else.\u201d<\/p>\n