What is a basketball legacy? Is it the awards and accolades you earn throughout the journey or the statistics you compile? Perhaps it is the impact your career has on posterity. For Dwyane Wade, though, it was the latter. After a record donation to his alma mater, the retired legend spoke about the impact he hopes to have on the next generation, especially at the collegiate level.

A heartfelt video on his Instagram saw the Miami Heat icon talk about the impact the school had on him. “Coming to Marquette University, I was given a life. And that life for a kid is opportunity. And because of that opportunity, I’ve been able to translate that into a lot of success. To be able to be here, trying to make sure that this gift that we’re given is impactful. So thankful to be a part of a University that cares in the way that Marquette does.” 

However, returning to his school feels like a fait accompli. “Coming back here, it feels like, ‘Okay this is a part of my purpose’, and I go back to my journey here, how I got here. I just want to make sure that this University that I know changed my life, let so many others get that same opportunity.”

As someone who got that opportunity through Marquette, Wade understands the importance of that belief. “But that’s the word that means everything to a kid that grew up like me. And so many kids in the world, somebody believe in you. And Marquette gave me that. So, from that jumpstart, I’ve been able to go off and do some incredible things.”

So, the 3x NBA Champion wants to shine the same light on the ones that come after him. “And I’ve always talked about, when a door opens, not squeezing through that door, letting it close behind me. Letting it open, and this is an opportunity to hold that door open for our next generation.”

But, it’s not just empty words that the Flash is promising. The 2006 NBA MVP is more than willing to put his money where his mouth is.

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Dwyane Wade with a sizeable donation to his alma mater

Wade has made it his mission to continue to inspire the next generation. Since taking over an ownership role with the Utah Jazz, he has been an active voice in the development of players, giving them on-court and life advice. However, indirectly as well, the Hall of Famer is ready to make an impact.

The love for Marquette that Wade shares was visibly apparent during that speech. However, to have a positive impact on the future crop of players coming through the university, he also committed a $3 million gift for three specific areas – extending the Tragil Wade-Johnson Summer Reading Program, establishing the Wade Scholars, and supporting a new men’s basketball practice facility as well.

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Through these, he plans to improve both the educational as well as athletic reach of the school. During the entire process, it has become clear that Marquette could end up as a permanent reminder of the legacy of Dwyane Wade.

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