As part of the Golden State Warriors Back to School in the Bay initiative on Wednesday, September 16, Warriors forward Harrison Barnes and Assistant Coach Jarron Collins visited Sankofa Academy in Oakland for a Read to Achieve Back To School Rally, presented by Ross Stores. Barnes and Collins spoke to the 375 elementary students about winning the 2015 NBA Championship and the importance of reading in their lives and careers.
“There’s no way our team would have won the title last year if our guys weren’t diligent readers,” said Collins. “They are all students of the game, and they learn from the scouting reports they read before every game.”
The Back to School Rally at Sankofa Academy began with school Principal Monique Brinson and Warriors Hype Man Franco Finn welcoming the students and introducing Barnes, Collins and Comcast SportsNet Bay Area Anchor and Reporter Henry Wofford to the students. Wofford conducted a Q&A with the two Warriors to discuss their favorite childhood books and love of reading.
“I’m excited to be here with the students today to get them excited for reading and the new school year,” said Barnes. “I remember being in elementary school in Ames, Iowa and reading was just as important to me as basketball, so I hope I can encourage them to keep reading.”