ABDUR-RAHIM TO RECEIVE HIS DEGREE FROM CAL-BERKELEY

NBA ALL-STAR AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST SHAREEF ABDUR-RAHIM
TO RECEIVE HIS DEGREE FROM CAL-BERKELEY

SACRAMENTO, CALIF., May 11, 2012 -- Former NBA All-Star, 2000 Olympic gold medalist and third overall selection in the 1996 NBA Draft Shareef Abdur-Rahim can now add “college graduate” to his impressive resume.

Abdur-Rahim will graduate Monday, May 14 from the University of California at Berkeley – the school where he played his freshman season of NCAA basketball. He’ll receive his degree in Sociology having recorded a 3.8 grade point average.

Entering the NBA following his freshmen year at Cal, Abdur-Rahim continued to pursue his education through off-season summer courses as well as extension programs during his NBA playing schedule. He played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Vancouver Grizzlies, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings.

Abdur-Rahim announced his retirement as a NBA player in September of 2008 and immediately joined the Kings coaching staff. After two years of coaching, he was promoted to the position of assistant general manager with the organization.

With education as his longstanding focus, Abdur-Rahim launched the Future Foundation in 2001 in his home state of Georgia. Through its mission, the foundation continues to provide support systems for Atlanta’s disadvantaged youth in order to increase their options for post-secondary education.

Since its inception 11 years ago, the foundation has enjoyed great success due to Abdur-Rahim’s support, guidance and passion for education. Future Foundation’s teen center in Atlanta boasts a 100 percent graduation rate.

"Much of my work outside basketball has been dedicated to my non-profit organization. The Future Foundation’s focus is to help young people reach their educational potential,” said Abdur-Rahim.

“Although I left Cal after only one year, it has always been my goal to complete my degree,” he said. “Receiving my degree will be an extremely proud moment for me and my family. I hope it will also help inspire many of the students our foundation proudly serves and encourages. “

ABOUT FUTURE FOUNDATION: Dedicated to a mission of leveling the playing field for youth in Metro Atlanta by providing quality educational, health and life skills programs. Future Foundation reaches more than 2000 youth and parents annually through three activities: The Reef House After-School Learning and Teen Center Programs where youth have a 360 degree focus: school, health & fitness, lifestyle advice and post-secondary preparation; RealTalk ATL, an in-school program that teaches youth how to avoid risky behaviors and make smart decisions about their bodies; and Parent Connect, a monthly series of workshops designed to help parents better connect and relate with their children.