NBA Player Devin Cannady Unveils Cannady Court in Mishawaka
MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- Mishawka native and Orlando Magic point guard Devin Cannady paid a special visit to his hometown today to unveil the new Cannady Court. A ribbon cutting event was held today to introduce the court to the community, as well as give locals a chance to meet and talk to the NBA player!
“It’s really just having a dream and a goal, accomplishing it, and pouring that same energy back into the community,” says Cannady.
Cannady Court is the result of a dream becoming reality, and giving back to the community. For Devin Cannady, this basketball court in his honor hits close to home, as it’s where his dreams of becoming a professional basketball player began.
“I literally grew up in the neighborhood right behind this court, and played on this court growing up,” Cannady says. “I want this court, which I had a hand in helping decorate and make into its own with my brand Run Your Own Race, to be that symbol of hope in the community.”
Cannady, along with Mayor Dave Wood and the Mishawaka Parks and Recs Department made sure to set the court apart with a personalized design and a professional touch.
“To be able to have a basketball court of this quality with glass backboards just puts it up another notch. This is probably one of the best courts in the area,” says Director of Mishawaka Parks and Recreation, Phil Blasko.
The unveiling of the court brought in hundreds, most of them being kids with dreams as big as Cannady’s when he was young, playing on the same court. He hopes that this court will help inspire young basketball players.
“There’s been a lot of smiles happening today, a lot of kids having fun, being able to meet an NBA player,” Blasko says. “It’s just been awesome to be able to do that.”
“If I can affect or impact one person positively by being back, by being present; this court being a place for them to dream and be like ‘man, if someone like Devin Cannady, he’s not necessarily the tallest, the fastest, the strongest, and was overlooked his whole career can make it’ then I believe they should think that too. If that’s what this court can mean, I’ve done my job.”
Cannady says his goal for this upcoming season with the Magic is to play a full season and continue to work on his health.
The new court is at Heroes Park on Harrison Road in Mishawaka.