Pueblo Legend Lafayette 'Fat' Lever Donates Shoes to Alma Mater

The former high school basketball star returns to support current players at Pueblo High School.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:55am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the dynamic energy and movement of a high school basketball game, with the players and coaches blending into the energetic brushstrokes.A community legend returns to his roots, inspiring the next generation of Pueblo basketball stars.Pueblo Today

Lafayette 'Fat' Lever, a basketball legend from Pueblo High School, visited his alma mater this week to present the boys and girls basketball teams with Aaron Gordon 361 Sport Official shoes. Lever, who led Pueblo to consecutive state championships in 1976-77 and 1977-78, has a history of giving back to the Tucson community where he grew up.

Why it matters

Lever's donation and visit to Pueblo High School highlight his continued commitment to supporting the next generation of basketball players in his hometown. As a successful NBA player, Lever's generosity and mentorship provide inspiration and resources to current Pueblo students.

The details

During the visit, Lever and Pueblo Class of 2026 standout America Cazares, who recently broke the state's career scoring record, exchanged autographed player cards. Lever, who did not have access to elaborate basketball shoes or recruiting websites during his high school career, compared his humble upbringing to that of fellow Tucson basketball legend Sean Elliott.

  • Lever presented the shoes to the Pueblo High School boys and girls basketball teams this week.
  • Lever led Pueblo to consecutive state championships in 1976-77 and 1977-78.

The players

Lafayette 'Fat' Lever

A basketball legend from Pueblo High School who went on to star at Arizona State and in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets.

America Cazares

A standout player in the Pueblo High School Class of 2026 who recently broke the state's career scoring record.

Roland LaVetter

The late coach who led Pueblo High School to the state championships when Lever played there.

Sean Elliott

Another legendary basketball player from Tucson, who also grew up in a low-economic area on the city's westside.

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What they’re saying

“Pueblo Gardens, Western Hills, South Park — that's home. That's why when people call me to do something in Tucson, I'm always there. I am back periodically, and when I am back, I usually stop by Pueblo to see what's going on there. I'm also a Boys & Girls Club kid off Sixth Street. I grew up there. … If I'm not back two to three times a month during the off-season, that's unusual.”

— Lafayette 'Fat' Lever

“We grew up in areas that weren't very popular and we worked on it. I played with and against some of Sean's family members growing up and so did my older brother. We had a history before we played in high school. We didn't have the resources kids have now, but back then, you didn't think of it. My resource growing up was the Boys & Girls Club. That's just the growth process of our society and our environment at the time. It changes all of the time.”

— Lafayette 'Fat' Lever

“Tucson impacted my development a tremendous amount. You felt like everyone knew you. I had those same feelings with my teammates in Tucson, growing up with those guys at the Boys & Girls Club. Raised in Western Hills, Pueblo Gardens and South Park, that total upbringing gave me that comfort zone of knowing that I had support.”

— Lafayette 'Fat' Lever

The takeaway

Lafayette 'Fat' Lever's continued support and mentorship of the next generation of basketball players in Tucson demonstrates the lasting impact that community-driven athletes can have on their hometowns. His generosity and commitment to giving back to Pueblo High School and the Boys & Girls Club serve as an inspiration for young athletes to follow in his footsteps.