Washington Wizards forward, Kyle Kuzma is a man of the people.
Just this week, the NBA Champion launched his inaugural Golden Ticket Holiday Family Drive that donated clothes, blankets and toys to DC residents at the King-Greenleaf Recreation Center in the city’s 6th Ward.
A product of a single parent household while growing up in Flint, Michigan, has created multiple philanthropic endeavors with his mother, Karri Kuzma in both his hometown and in D.C. that provides essential goods.
Kuzma, who is currently averaging 23.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists for the Wizards, donated thousands of items for the drive.
The event was hosted by the Kyle Kuzma Family Foundation which is dedicated to supporting single mothers and their children. Also this month, Kuzma partnered with organizations R.I.S.E and I.G.N.I.T.E. for incarcerated mothers to reunite with their children for Christmas, with Kuzma attending to pass out toys and gifts.
In between his event, Kuz who also received a proclamation from DC Mayor, Muriel Bowser shared his thoughts on a myriad of issues including fashion, his peers, Christmas memories, the greats and his New Year’s Resolutions.
What was your most memorable Christmas gift?
Most memorable Christmas gift? Back in the day I got a Hot Wheels Racing Track. That was fun!
Who were some of your fashion influences while growing up?
I really didn’t care about fashion too much when I was a kid. I kind of cared more about it when I got into college and when I was grown up but, Chris Brown back then always had the style rocking the gold hairstyle.
How is it being a blessing to the people in the DC community with your giveaway during the holiday season?
I mean, that’s important and I think it’s one of the biggest things, you know? A lot of people give but don’t really spend time or take the time it really needs to do these things. Like, these people will remember this forever.
Who was the first NBA player that you ever met locally that did something for the community that inspired you?
Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson; they used to do a lot of camps in the summertime when they used to come home from the NBA season and overseas and do things like this and would be engaged and be able to touch them.
What were some of your earliest recollections of that Flintstones team back then?
They’re just chrome in Michigan. Obviously being from Flint, being a Flintsone at Michigan State; you just followed them naturally just because of the heritage and what they did for the city and the state of Michigan.
Who were some of your other influences?
I used to be on YouTube and I’d be watching great players like the Larry Birds, the George Gervins and definitely Michael Jordan.
Any New Year’s resolutions?
New Year’s resolutions? Just to keep elevating. As long as I can keep elevating I’m on course.
