Bucks' Ryan Rollins Wins NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award for March

Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins has been named the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for March. The honor recognizes his extensive off-court contributions to literacy, support for justice-impacted youth, and efforts to make basketball more inclusive in Milwaukee. In recognition of his work, the NBA and the NBPA Foundation will donate $20,000 to Developing K.I.D.S.

Rollins made literacy a central focus of his community efforts this season. He pledged to donate one book for every point he scored during the regular season, resulting in over 1,000 books being donated to Milwaukee Public Schools. His commitment also included participation in the Bucks' Rhymes with Reason program, where he used hip-hop to enhance learning and recorded personalized messages to engage students.

Rollins also worked closely with justice-impacted youth in Milwaukee. He hosted a Friendsgiving Experience at the Vel R. Phillips Youth and Family Justice Center, where he connected with approximately 60 young people through a shared meal and open dialogue. During the holidays, he also participated in the Bucks' “Shop with a Buck” event, supporting Camp Reunite participants and ensuring each child received a personal gift.

In addition, Rollins helped expand access to basketball through inclusive programming. He participated in a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA wheelchair basketball clinic with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association. He also received a $25,000 matching grant from the NBPA Foundation to support education and leadership development for underserved youth in Detroit.

Rollins has also announced plans to host a youth basketball clinic later this year in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. This event will continue his efforts to grow the game and reach young players across the region.

“Growing up, the moments that stayed with me were the ones where somebody made me feel like I mattered,” said Rollins. “That’s what I’m chasing with this work – whether it’s putting a book in a kid’s hands or sitting down with young people who just need someone to believe in them. I’m blessed to play this game, but this is what the game is actually for.”

The NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award honors the legacy of NBA Hall of Famer Bob Lanier. The award recognizes players who make a positive impact in their communities throughout the season. Rollins joins a list of distinguished recipients and is now in the running for the overall award, which is presented to the top community contributor of the season.