Auburn basketball player and New Market native Denver Jones holds school drive

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Auburn basketball player Denver Jones was back in the community that raised him Saturday, hosting a back-to-school drive.

Jones gave away up to 150 backpacks to kids in need in the community. However, the event wasn’t just a backpack drive. There were also water slides, a foam pit, cotton candy and more.

The junior guard also signed autographs and took photos with those in attendance. He is a celebrity to many of these kids, and they didn’t hesitate to ask Jones some very pressing questions.

“They come up and ask me just basketball, how is it being a student-athlete at Auburn, how do I manage my time. Some ask how Bruce Pearl is and is he as crazy as everybody says he is,” Jones said.

He is leaving an impact on these kids, but they are also impacting him.

“They almost like inspire me a little and it’s just really a blessing to be in this position right now and use my brand to give back to my community and really just giving back to them that raised me that’s really all it is,” he added.

Jones and the Tigers are a ways away from returning to the paint. They open the 2024-2025 season on November 25 at the Maui Invitational.

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