UCLA to name practice court after Westbrook following record donation

It's the holiday season, and Russell Westbrook is in a giving spirit.

Not only is the Oklahoma City Thunder's superstar point guard handing out a career-high 9.6 assists per game, he also reached out to his alma mater, UCLA, in a more literal act of generosity.

Westbrook, who played two seasons for the Bruins before being drafted fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics (soon to relocate to Oklahoma City) in 2008, has made the largest-ever donation to the school by a basketball student-athlete.

The school announced that Westbrook's donation will go toward its Mo Ostin Basketball Center project - which has so far received $17 million in private funding - and that in recognition of his significant contribution, the basketball practice floor inside the forthcoming facility will be named Russell Westbrook Court.

Westbrook will also be honored at a Bruins home game Jan. 7, when fans in attendance will receive complimentary eyeglass frames - an accessory their fashion-forward alumnus has adopted during his dance in the NBA limelight.

"Russell isn't merely a dominant force in the NBA, he's a force to be reckoned with in the community as well," UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero said in a statement. "... Russell himself is an inspiration. We could not be more proud of his leadership both on and off the court since he left Westwood, and I know the Bruin faithful will be excited to welcome him back home next month and thank him for this tremendous gift."

The Bruins reached the Final Four in both of Westbrook's seasons with the program. He currently ranks second to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in NBA scoring average among UCLA alums.

"I loved my time at UCLA and jumped at the opportunity to give back to the university that provided me with amazing opportunities and great memories," Westbrook said. "I am truly honored to be part of the legacy that is Bruin basketball."