Daily News | Daryl Morey partners with former NBA player Shane Battier’s foundation to bring college prep program to Camden High
. It’s an example of a maintained relationship with a former player, which does not always jibe with Morey’s reputation as an analytics-driven and trade-happy chief basketball decision-maker. And it highlights Battier’s ties to Philly, as he was teammates with Sixers general manager Elton Brand at Duke. Plus, Battier’s wife, Heidi, is a Villanova alumnae.
“GUIDE,” which stands for Giving Underserved Individuals Direction in Education, launched in 2016 at Miami Central High School near where Battier now resides. Its mission is to “support [students] in any manner to improve their chances of going to college,” Battier said, including providing resources to assist in applying for schools and scholarships and to prepare to take the SAT and ACT. Mentors will also be on-site at Camden Academy every week.
Battier played for the Houston Rockets, where Morey previously led the front office, from 2006-11. Morey first learned of Battier’s Take Charge Foundation at a karaoke fundraising event held in Houston. As he and Ellen recently began discussing how to get involved in the Philly/Camden community “in a more significant way versus just writing checks,” they realized Battier’s organization was an ideal fit.
While at the Sixers’ facility Tuesday, the students, their families and school staff toured the locker room, training room and practice court. Coach Doc Rivers emerged from his office for an impromptu visit, challenging them to “finish the race” by remaining persistent even during times of success. Morey, who had already met with several students during the program’s selection process, also encouraged them to keep “showing up” to build habits and commitment.