First Coach Joins Hoops2o Water Access Advocacy Group

December 13, 2019

2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball champion coach Tony Bennett becomes the first head coach to join the  Hoops2o Program in their mission to bring clean water to communities in need.

Hoops2o recruits players from across the NBA to raise funds and awareness for clean water initiatives in East Africa. Brogdon is leading a team of NBA playmakers, called the “Starting 5,” that are dedicated to using their platform to engage fans in the clean water crisis.

At the University of Virgina’s December 8 home matchup vs. UNC at John Paul Jones Arena, Bennett wore a Hoops2o pin and pocket square to raise awareness in addition to the program being highlighted via in-game content. Additionally, Bennett and his wife Laurel are funding a well project in Isinya, Kenya, that will provide water to 8,700 people. The Bennett’s hope their gift will inspire others to follow their lead and donate to Hoops2o.

“I’m excited to work with the entire Hoops2o roster and bring this mission to NCAA basketball,” continued Bennett. “Just as NBA fans have rallied around the cause, I know our UVA and collegiate fans will join me in making a big impact for individuals and communities through the gift of clean water.”

"I learned so much about servanthood and gratitude during my time playing under Coach Bennett," says Malcolm Brogdon, founder Hoops2o. "Having him on board ensures we will educate more fans about the need that exists in East Africa. It will strengthen the impact the UVA community and collegiate fans can have on the world water crisis."

Hoops2o is a program of the successful Waterboys initiative. Waterboys was started by NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Chris Long in 2015 and has delivered the gift of clean water to over 330,000 people in East Africa. Together with the NFL Waterboys program, Hoops2o uses a collective impact model to unite as many people as possible in the same goal: bringing clean water to one million people.