BREAKING: Texas Longhorns Basketball Legend and 2025 Hall of Fame Inductee Donates $3 Million to His Alma Mater, Acknowledges Where His Talent Was Discovered
In a heartwarming gesture that blends gratitude with legacy, Texas Longhorns basketball legend and 2025 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Marcus “MJ” Johnson, has donated $3 million to his alma mater, Cedar Ridge High School in Round Rock, Texas. Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to don the burnt orange jersey, made the announcement during an emotional press conference held at the school’s newly named Marcus Johnson Athletic Center.
“This place is where everything started for me,” Johnson said, his voice thick with emotion. “It was right here in these hallways and on that gym floor where someone first saw something in me—where I learned how to lead, how to fight through adversity, and most importantly, how to dream big.”
Johnson’s donation will go toward the renovation of the school’s athletic facilities, including a state-of-the-art training complex, upgraded locker rooms, and scholarships for student-athletes with financial need. The initiative, called the “Rise Up Fund,” is aimed at helping underprivileged youth gain access to training, mentorship, and exposure—opportunities that Johnson credits with changing the trajectory of his life.
During his storied college career at the University of Texas, Johnson led the Longhorns to two Final Four appearances and was named Big 12 Player of the Year twice. His transition to the NBA was seamless, culminating in an illustrious 14-year professional career marked by seven All-Star selections and a league MVP award in 2017. Yet, despite his success on the court, Johnson has always emphasized the importance of giving back.
“This is not just a gift,” he said. “It’s a promise—to the next kid walking into this gym who feels unseen or unheard. I want them to know that they matter, that greatness can start anywhere—even here.”
The donation has already sent waves through the Texas basketball community, with former teammates, coaches, and current Longhorns players expressing admiration for Johnson’s humility and generosity. University of Texas head coach Rodney Terry called the gesture “a full-circle moment of inspiration.”
As the Hall of Fame ceremony approaches, Johnson’s legacy continues to grow—not just as a basketball icon, but as a leader who never forgot where he came from.
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