Chris Herren: Basketball Junkie to Mentor With drugs everywhere in this world, Chris Herren became what he never believed he would; a drug addict. Chris grew up in a poor family in Fall River, MA and could have become a NBA star. He was predicted to be the number 1 pick in the NBA draft if he was clean. Now, not even the highs of his NCAA and NBA career will cover up what he has done to his life. The life of Christopher Albert Herren is a true example of how a person can overcome a struggle and then make an impact in society. Chris Herren was born on September 7, 1975. He attended and graduated Durfee High School from 1990-1994, there he played basketball. “Chris Herren, Durfee High School basketball’s only 2,000-point career
He has done many thing to help society and try to clear his name. He has joined a organization called Hoop Dreams which helps young athletes achieve their optimal level of playing the sport of basketball. Chris states, “Each player will gain valuable, individualized training designed to focus on basic basketball skill techniques to develop the total player. To achieve hoop dreams it will take drive and follow through. Each player will be trained in an intense, focused session with the goal of raising each athlete to the next level of play to achieve their hoop dream.”(Hoop Dreams1). Chris has also started his own non-profit organization called The Herren Project. The Herren Project helps people recover from drugs and alcohol so they can live a healthy life, offers educational programs to show signs off addiction, and ‘bring hope for a better tomorrow.’ There goals are to “Positively impact the lives of those suffering with addiction, specifically the uninsured, by providing them with effective treatment programs, support and the necessary tools to be successful on their road to sobriety. Educate youth and at-risk populations on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and provide techniques to handle pressure within their lives, their community or their family situation.” (The Herren Project1). Both the Herren Project and the story of Chris Herren has impacted how society looks at drugs. He has shown people there is a way out and inspired many people; young