Harrison Barnes wins the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Award for February, making a lasting impact on youth through education, mentorship and community development

Harrison Barnes isn’t just making plays on the court—he’s making a real impact off it, too. The San Antonio Spurs forward has been named the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for February, a recognition of his work in the community. Whether it’s funding scholarships, upgrading parks, or mentoring kids, Barnes is all in on giving back. Barnes isn’t just writing checks—he’s out there, hands-on, making sure kids in San Antonio get the opportunities they deserve. It’s not just about giving back for him—it’s about real, lasting change.
Last month, Harrison Barnes and his wife, Brittany, took a major step in supporting local students by donating $250,000 to AlamoPROMISE, helping to cover tuition and fees for those in need. The program covers tuition and fees for eligible students in Bexar County, and their donation specifically supports St. Philip’s College, a historically Black college and university (HBCU) and Hispanic-serving institution (HSI) in San Antonio.

For Barnes, this wasn’t just about cutting a check—it was about making sure money isn’t the reason students have to give up on their education. The “last-dollar” funding model means students who qualify can finish their degrees without drowning in debt.
“Throughout my career, I’ve seen how much community support can change lives,” Barnes said at the donation ceremony, where San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Alamo Colleges District officials were also in attendance. “Now that I’m part of this city, Brittany and I want to do our part to invest in its future.”
Barnes’ impact in the community doesn’t stop at education. In February, he also helped transform Davis White Northeast Neighborhood Park in Austin through the Play ATX initiative. Partnering with the San Antonio Spurs, the Austin Parks Foundation, and the City of Austin, Barnes played a key role in upgrading the park with new basketball hoops, better lighting, and a fully renovated playground.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, he wasn’t just there to smile for the cameras—he was out on the court, running drills with 40 kids, giving them pointers, and hyping them up with words of encouragement.
“This is about more than basketball,” Barnes said. “It’s about creating places where kids feel safe, where they can play, grow, and dream.”
Barnes has been making a difference for years—this isn’t the first time his community work has been recognized. Back in the 2019-20 season, he also won the NBA Community Assist Award for his commitment to giving back. As part of this latest honor, he’ll receive the David Robinson trophy, and the NBA will donate $10,000 to the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Black history and culture in the region. Barnes also serves on the board of the NBA Foundation, which has supported the museum as part of its larger mission.
The Bob Lanier Community Assist Award is named after the Hall of Famer known for his dedication to mentoring and service. Barnes is continuing that legacy in a big way.
For him, this isn’t about the awards or the headlines—it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and using his platform to make a real difference. “Brittany and I are all in on this city,” Barnes said. “We want to open doors for students, invest in neighborhoods, and do what we can to make an impact.”
Also Read: NBA stars with multiple 40-point games and record-breaking performances this season: Anthony Edwards, Stephen Curry and more
And that’s exactly what he’s doing. Whether it’s funding education, revitalizing public spaces, or mentoring young people, Barnes is proving that his legacy won’t just be defined by basketball—it’ll be defined by the lives he’s changing along the way.