Bismack Biyombo of the Charlotte Hornets hosted 20 underprivileged students from J.H. Gunn Elementary for a special ​‘Day in the Life of a Hornet’ ​experience.

The event started with a private VIP tour of the Hornets facility from Bismack. The kids were able to go on the official Hornets court, see the locker room, check out the weight room and meet Hornets’ General Manager, Mitch Kupchak. 

Following the tour, Bismack surprised the students with new swag - each student received: a new pair of Jordan sneakers, personalized Hornets jerseys, official Hornets shorts, warm-up shirts, socks, new basketballs and more, courtesy of Bismack.

Then the students got to live out their NBA dreams, as the Hornets’ announcer ​‘Fly Ty’​ announced each student into the arena. The students were split into teams for a scrimmage and played on the official practice court. Bismack and his teammate Marvin Williams coached the teams and helped the students improve their basketball games.

“Charlotte has a special place in my heart, I was drafted here and feel extremely grateful to have the opportunity to give back to this community,” said Bismack Biyombo. “I didn’t get a new pair of sneakers until I was 16 years old, so being able to throw this event for these kids was amazing. I want to thank Dick’s Sporting Goods and Jordan Brand for supporting the event.”

J.H. Gunn Elementary School is a public school located in Charlotte, N.C where 100% of the students are enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program. “This event is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students,” said J.H. Gunn Elementary social worker, Patrick Narcisse. “The majority of our students have never experienced an NBA game or professional sporting event, so this opportunity will be one that our students remember forever.” 

Biyombo grew up in the Democratic Republic of Congo as 1 of 8 children. He faced a lot of adversity at a young age and often says that he wouldn’t be where he is today without the generosity of others. Biyombo tries to give back to the community as much as possible. He hosts various philanthropic initiatives in Charlotte and Africa throughout the year. Having been in the NBA for nine seasons, it is clear Bismack’s impact on and off the court will be felt for many years to come.