Chapel Hill, NC – June 17, 2025 – In a monumental act of generosity that will resonate for generations, NBA All-Star and North Carolina Tar Heels legend Antawn Jamison today announced a multi-million dollar endowment to the University of North Carolina basketball program. This transformative gift is specifically earmarked for youth development initiatives, further cementing Jamison’s profound legacy with the Tar Heels and reinforcing his commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent both on and off the court.
Antawn Jamison’s name is synonymous with excellence in Chapel Hill. A unanimous National College Player of the Year in 1998, Jamison played three seasons for the Tar Heels (1995-1998), where he became the first ACC player to earn first-team all-conference honors as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. He led UNC to back-to-back ACC Tournament titles and Final Fours in 1997 and 1998, famously teaming with Vince Carter. His #33 jersey hangs proudly in the Dean E. Smith Center rafters, a testament to his remarkable contributions. After his collegiate career, Jamison enjoyed a distinguished 16-season NBA career, earning two All-Star selections and the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2004. Even after retirement, Jamison has remained closely connected to basketball, currently serving as director of pro personnel for the Washington Wizards.
“North Carolina isn’t just where I played; it’s where I grew up, where I learned invaluable life lessons, and where I truly understood the power of community and mentorship,” Jamison stated during an emotional press conference at the Dean E. Smith Center, surrounded by UNC athletic officials and local youth basketball players. “This endowment is about giving back to the place that shaped me and investing in the future. It’s about ensuring that young people, especially those in underserved communities, have access to the resources, coaching, and opportunities that can help them develop their skills, build character, and dream big – whether that’s on the basketball court or in life. This is my way of saying, ‘This is home, and we rise together.'”
While the exact figure of the multi-year endowment was not disclosed, sources close to the university indicate it is a substantial, multi-million dollar commitment, making it one of the most significant gifts to youth development within a collegiate basketball program in recent memory. The funds will be strategically allocated to several key areas:
- Youth Skill Development Camps & Clinics: Expanding access to high-quality basketball instruction for young athletes across North Carolina, focusing on fundamental skills and sportsmanship.
- Mentorship Programs: Creating direct mentorship opportunities between current and former UNC basketball players and aspiring young athletes, emphasizing academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth.
- Community Outreach Initiatives: Supporting programs that use basketball as a vehicle for positive social change, including educational support, health and wellness initiatives, and character development workshops in local communities.
- Facility Access: Providing resources to improve and expand access to basketball facilities for youth leagues and community programs, particularly in areas lacking adequate infrastructure.
- Coaching Education: Investing in training and development for youth coaches, ensuring high standards of instruction and positive youth sports experiences.
“Antawn Jamison’s generosity is truly extraordinary, and it perfectly aligns with the core values of the University of North Carolina and our basketball program,” said Bubba Cunningham, UNC Director of Athletics. “Antawn has always been a champion, both on the court and in the community. This endowment is a game-changer for youth basketball development across our state. It will allow us to deepen our engagement with young people, providing them with invaluable opportunities and mentorship, and fostering a love for the game that can lead to lifelong success. We are incredibly proud of Antawn and deeply grateful for his visionary gift.”
The impact of such a substantial endowment on a collegiate basketball program, particularly one with the rich history and national prominence of UNC, is profound. Beyond the immediate financial support, Jamison’s gift sends a powerful message about the enduring connection between alumni and their alma mater. It highlights the potential for former student-athletes to give back in ways that extend far beyond their playing days, directly influencing future generations.
This investment in youth development is crucial for maintaining a strong pipeline of talent and fostering a love for the game at the grassroots level. It also enhances the university’s commitment to community engagement, using the power of sport to create positive social impact. For the UNC basketball program, it reinforces their reputation as a leader not just in collegiate competition, but also in nurturing holistic development and giving back to the community that supports them. It’s a testament to the “Carolina Family” ethos that Coach Dean Smith so famously instilled.
Jamison has a long history of philanthropic efforts, including sponsoring “Antawn’s Army” to provide charity tickets for youth, and his “A Better Tomorrow” initiative which has supported various community service projects and scholarships in North Carolina. This latest endowment represents the culmination of his continued dedication to making a difference, leveraging his success to uplift others.
As the future unfolds, Antawn Jamison’s multi-million dollar endowment will stand as a beacon of opportunity for countless young aspiring basketball players and individuals across North Carolina. His commitment ensures that the legacy of excellence and community service he embodied as a Tar Heel will continue to inspire, providing resources that will shape not just future athletes, but future leaders and citizens, all riding together on the path to success that started right here, at home.
