The Place for Jersey City News
Log In / Register
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
Jersey City Times
  • News
  • Diversions
    • Performing Arts
    • Visual Arts
    • Other Fun Stuff
  • In Our Midst
  • Food And Drink
  • Education
  • Neighborhoods
    • Downtown
      • News
      • Guide
    • Heights
      • News
      • Guide
    • Journal Square
      • News
      • Guide
    • Bergen Lafayette
      • News
      • Guide
    • Greenville
      • News
      • Guide
    • Westside
      • News
      • Guide
  • Opinion
  • Columns
    • Eye Level
    • Mamarama
  • Event Calendar
  • Support our Mission
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
Sally Deering

Pistons Forward Louis King Pays it Forward

July 3, 2020/in header, Latest News, News, Sports /by Sally Deering

Detroit Pistons Forward Louis King paid it forward Tuesday, June 30, when he stopped by Jersey City to bring meals to local residents, sign Spalding basketballs, and connect with old friends.

Joined by his mother, Altivea, his father, Louis (a retired firefighter), and his brothers and sisters,  King provided about 350 meals to local residents affected by the coronavirus pandemic. He gave away souvenirs like book bags, “King Kares” T-shirts, and bracelets, and he autographed black and gold basketballs, presenting them to the first 50 children attending the event.

“I did this because I felt during this time that people were suffering in a dark place,” King said. “I wanted to help them up in the best way, in an ordinary fashion.”

In recognition of King’s generosity to Jersey City, New Jersey Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight and Jersey City Council President Joyce E. Watterman presented the celebrity with a proclamation thanking him and recognizing his community service.

“It’s always a good thing to be appreciated whether it’s a medical or racial crisis,” Council President Watterman said. “It’s truly amazing when someone decides to still come and give back to the community, which Mr. King has done.”

“I didn’t expect the award,” King said. “That was great of them to hand me that for giving back to my community. It motivates me to want to do better. It’s about more than basketball. It’s about helping the people coming up.”

The second to youngest of eight, King spent his early childhood on Woodlawn Avenue in Jersey City. When he was 11, he and his family moved to Columbus, in the southern part of the state. King returned to Jersey City to attend Hudson Catholic High School where he was chosen for the 2018 McDonald’s All-American basketball team. A year earlier, he’d represented the U.S. at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup in Cairo, Egypt where he helped bring home the bronze medal.

“Growing up, I played a lot of sports—baseball, basketball and football,” King recalled. “Once I got to seventh and eighth grade, I could say I was more serious.”

King enrolled at the University of Oregon where he was named to the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, and in 2018, King ranked among the top 25 prospects of the recruiting class by ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports.

He recounted, “After my first year of college basketball, I went pro, on a two-way contract where I have the opportunity to play with an NBA team and a junior team, where guys go down and show off their skills.”

Growing up, King says he looked up to players like Tracy McGrady, a seven-time NBA All-Star  who played with the Detroit Pistons from 2010-2011 and wrapped up his career in 2013 with the San Antonio Spurs.

“I looked up to Tracy McGrady on and off the court. By the way he carried himself, he always approached the game with seriousness, always wanted to be a better player. That’s mainly what this game is all about. Being humble and taking advantage when opportunities call.”

Eager to get back to the game since the Covid-19 epidemic shut down the league, King says the Pistons are rebooting.

“They shut down the league because they didn’t want other players getting sick. Now we’re going to have the NBA restart. My team didn’t make the cut, so we’re going back to Detroit and working out, getting better, and staying in the gym.”

King, 21, said he enjoyed seeing friends and family and meeting new people at Tuesday’s event.

“It was great for the community, my family, and my team. There’s always been a connection—and there always will be a connection with Jersey City. Jersey City is a part of me.”

Editor’s note: Mr. King’s “King Kares” charitable efforts are not to be confused with the King Kares foundation of Los Angeles Chargers defensive back Desmond King.

For more on local youth activities during the pandemic, see this Jersey City Times story.

Tags: Angela V. McKnight, Coronavirus, Council President Joyce Watterman, Covid-19, Detroit Pistons, Hudson Catholic High School, Pandemic
Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on Pinterest
  • Share on LinkedIn
You might also like
Council Tackles Coronavirus, Girl Scout Cookies and Yoga
City Gears Up For “Aggressive” Anti-Virus Campaign”
Emergency Closing of the the Jersey City Public Schools Starting March 16
Price Gougers Beware: Big Fines Await You
Covid-19 image Jersey City Covid-19 Update 3/15
Covid-19 image Jersey City Covid-19 Update 3/16
Covid-19 image Jersey City Covid-19 Update 3/18
20191012_125039 Just the FAQs: What the State DOE Is Telling Schools About COVID-19

Latest Articles

April 13, 2021 /

Lawyer’s Plea Deal Could Spell Trouble for Fulop

April 12, 2021 /

Fulop and Team Received Big Donations from Judicial Picks and their Families

April 12, 2021 /

City and Housing Authority to Build New Facility for Homeless Residents 

April 10, 2021 /

Stop Asian Hate Rally Draws Hundreds to City Hall

April 10, 2021 /

Port Authority to Offer Secure Bicycle Parking at Bus Terminal

UCOMING EVENTS

Wed 14

Downtown Jersey City Neighborhood Cleanup

April 10 - May 30
Thu 15

Historic Downtown SID Winter’s Farm Market

April 15 @ 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Thu 15

Jersey City Municipal Council Meeting

April 15 @ 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Thu 15

Current Effects

April 15 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat 17

Downtown Jersey City Neighborhood Cleanup

April 17 - June 6

View More…

CONTACT US

    ADS/INFO

    For information on advertising opportunities, please contact - ads@jcitytimes.com

    For information on writing opportunities, please contact - info@jcitytimes.com

    Download our media kit here

    ABOUT US

    About Jersey City Times

    Contact Jersey City Times

    Social

    Archive

    • April 2021
    • March 2021
    • February 2021
    • January 2021
    • December 2020
    • November 2020
    • October 2020
    • September 2020
    • August 2020
    • July 2020
    • June 2020
    • May 2020
    • April 2020
    • March 2020
    • February 2020
    • January 2020
    • December 2019
    • November 2019
    • October 2019
    Copyright © 2020 JCityTimes.com. All Rights Reserved - powered by Enfold WordPress Theme
    Bill Seeks to Clean Air in Low Income Communities JC Police Struggle to Control Fireworks
    Scroll to top
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter

    Support Jersey City Times WITH A MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION

    for the price of a tall coffee at Starbucks!