Russell Westbrook is no stranger to assists — the OKC Thunder star has gone on record streaks of triple-doubles and currently ranks second in the NBA in assists. Now Westbrook is dishing back to his alma mater, basketball powerhouse UCLA. The university describes Westbrook’s financial gift, earmarked for the construction of the new Mo Ostin Basketball Center on campus, as the largest it has ever received from a former athlete. You hear that, Bill Walton? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? Kevin Love? (Those first two UCLA alum — though Hall of Famers — never made near the money, of course, that Love and Westbook command.)
[Russell Westbrook Makes LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony Laugh]
Westbrook’s donation amount wasn’t specified, but it’s enough that the court at the facility will be named for him. The facility is named for another Hall of Famer — but Mo Ostin, the primary donor, is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, not the basketball one. Ostin has perhaps as wide a variety to his game as Westbrook does. Ostin worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra and Bob Marley to the Sex Pistols to Green Day. Ostin started out at Verve Records, which had Charlie Parker, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong in its stable. Westbrook spent two years — 2006-08 — at UCLA before declaring for the NBA draft. The Bruins went to the Final Four both years.
