“Kentucky Made Me”: Rajon Rondo Donates $15 Million to Wildcats Basketball Program After Earning His Degree from University of Kentucky
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Lexington, KY — In a heartwarming display of loyalty and gratitude, NBA champion and former Kentucky Wildcats standout Rajon Rondo has made a monumental $15 million donation to the University of Kentucky’s basketball program—just weeks after officially graduating from the school. The gesture not only honors Rondo’s enduring connection to the Wildcats, but also signifies his commitment to helping future athletes thrive both on and off the court.
Rondo, who played for Kentucky from 2004 to 2006 before being selected in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft, has long expressed deep admiration for the program that helped launch his professional career. Now, having returned to complete his degree, the two-time NBA champion is giving back in a major way.
“Kentucky made me. I came here as a young man with big dreams and left with the foundation that shaped who I am today. This is my way of saying thank you, and of making sure the next generation has every resource to be great, just like I was given,” Rondo said at a special ceremony held at Rupp Arena.
The $15 million donation will reportedly go toward facility upgrades, player development resources, and scholarships within the men’s basketball program. School officials also revealed that a portion of the funds will support academic mentorship services for student-athletes—something that has taken on new personal meaning for Rondo, who recently earned his long-awaited college degree.
“Rajon Rondo is the embodiment of what it means to be a Wildcat,” said Kentucky Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart. “This donation is more than generous—it’s transformative. His legacy will now extend beyond what he did on the court and into the lives of students who will benefit from his gift for decades to come.”
Rondo’s journey from college standout to NBA legend has been well-documented, but this latest chapter adds another layer to his storied career. His return to the classroom and subsequent graduation has been widely applauded, with fans and former teammates praising his dedication and humility.
“Finishing my degree was something I promised myself and my family I’d do. I want kids at Kentucky to know that basketball is powerful, but education is forever,” Rondo said.
As banners bearing his name hang high in arenas across the NBA, it’s clear that Rondo’s heart still beats loudest in Lexington. His gift is a symbol of enduring pride—and a reminder that true champions never forget where they came from.
