Drake Star Donates Kobe Sneakers to High School Team

Jalen Quinn buys entire varsity squad new shoes during winter break

Feb. 1, 2026 at 10:47am

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Drake University senior basketball player Jalen Quinn is having a standout season, averaging 18.5 points per game. Over his winter break, Quinn returned to his hometown of Tuscola, Illinois and bought the entire varsity basketball team at his former high school new Kobe sneakers as a gesture of gratitude to his high school coach and teammates.

Why it matters

Quinn's gesture of buying his former high school team new shoes demonstrates his commitment to giving back to the community that helped him reach the Division I level. Small acts of kindness like this can have a big impact on young athletes and inspire them to work hard and pursue their dreams.

The details

Tuscola High School is located about 20 minutes south of the University of Illinois, where Quinn began his basketball journey. The point guard recently had a career-high 34-point game against the top team in the Missouri Valley conference, showcasing his breakout season at Drake University.

  • Over winter break, Quinn bought the Kobe sneakers for the Tuscola High School varsity basketball team.

The players

Jalen Quinn

A senior basketball player at Drake University who is having a standout season, averaging 18.5 points per game.

Tuscola High School

Quinn's former high school, located about 20 minutes south of the University of Illinois, where he began his basketball journey.

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What they’re saying

“This was always my dream, you know, to play Division I basketball and that was kind of my goal growing up. Now being able to have the opportunity to give back, that's something I always wanted to do, so it makes me super, super excited.”

— Jalen Quinn (kcci.com)

The takeaway

Quinn's generous gesture of buying his former high school team new Kobe sneakers demonstrates the importance of giving back to one's community and inspiring the next generation of athletes. Small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact and motivate young people to pursue their dreams.