Damian Lillard’s 2025 NBA All-Star Homecoming: Honoring Oakland’s Basketball Legacy

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• Bill Proposes NH Incorporation for Children’s Scholarship Fund Administrator
• Damian Lillard Launches Scholarship Program at Portland State University
• Damian Lillard’s Homecoming: Honoring Oakland’s Basketball Legacy at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

Damian Lillard’s 2025 NBA All-Star Homecoming: Honoring Oakland’s Basketball Legacy

Bill Proposes NH Incorporation for Children’s Scholarship Fund Administrator

A proposed bill would require the Children’s Scholarship Fund — NH, which oversees two state scholarship programs, to incorporate in New Hampshire. Supporters argue this would enhance transparency regarding the use of taxpayer funds, while opponents claim it is an attempt to dismantle the programs.

House Bill 483, introduced by Rep. David Luneau, D-Hopkinton, seeks to mandate that the organization administering the Education Tax Credit and Education Freedom Account programs establish a New Hampshire-based nonprofit. Currently, the fund operates under its national headquarters in New York City, meaning no separate IRS 990 filing exists for the state’s operations.

Luneau emphasized that in the 20 other states where the organization functions, affiliates have been established, making New Hampshire an outlier. He argued that local incorporation would provide lawmakers with greater oversight of how funds are allocated, particularly for administrative costs, and whether state funding is solely supporting New Hampshire students.

However, critics, including former Rep. Packy Campbell, R-Farmington, contended that the bill is a covert effort to dismantle the scholarship programs. Campbell argued that requiring local incorporation could violate the U.S. Constitution’s commerce clause, which prevents states from restricting out-of-state businesses. He also refuted claims of a lack of transparency, stating that regulations already govern fund distribution.

“This is a Trojan horse, a backdoor attack to kill this program,” Campbell said, urging lawmakers to openly propose ending the programs rather than imposing indirect restrictions.

Luneau, however, denied any intent to dismantle the programs, insisting that incorporation in New Hampshire would align the fund’s operations with other states and enhance accountability.

The House Ways and Means Committee has yet to decide on the bill, which follows a similar proposal that was rejected last year.

Damian Lillard Launches Scholarship Program at Portland State University

Former Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard is reinforcing his connection to Portland by establishing a scholarship program at Portland State University (PSU).

The Damian Lillard Scholars Program will provide up to 10 students from select high schools in California’s East Bay Area with a $25,000 annual scholarship, covering four years of tuition at PSU. Lillard, who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and attended Oakland High School, said he hopes the initiative will ease financial barriers for students from his hometown seeking higher education in Portland.

“Students from my community in the East Bay now have an opportunity to pursue a college education in my adopted community of Portland without financial burdens,” Lillard said in a press statement. “My hope is that this scholarship becomes a stepping stone to a bright and promising future.”

PSU President Ann Cudd praised Lillard’s commitment, emphasizing the university’s excitement to support students from his hometown.

“We could not be more proud to offer this scholarship to East Bay students while linking arms with one of Portland’s most exciting and inspiring civic leaders,” Cudd said. “Damian Lillard has heaped so much love on the city of Portland that PSU counts him as one of our own.”

Beyond tuition, the scholarship will cover housing, food, transportation, and textbooks. The estimated cost for an out-of-state student to attend PSU is approximately $46,000 per year.

Lillard has pledged $100,000 to launch the program, with an anonymous donor matching his contribution. So far, 15 eligible students have been admitted to PSU, and while the university initially committed to awarding 10 scholarships, all 15 will receive funding if they choose to enroll.

East Bay students interested in applying must submit their applications before PSU’s first-year deadline on August 1, 2025. The scholarship program is currently funded for four academic years.

Damian Lillard’s Homecoming: Honoring Oakland’s Basketball Legacy at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game

Damian Lillard is returning to his Oakland roots for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, bringing back memories of attending the 2000 event as a child. The Bay Area native, now a nine-time All-Star and two-time reigning 3-Point Contest champion, is eager to represent his hometown on a stage that last hosted the game 25 years ago.

Lillard, who grew up idolizing Oakland legends like Jason Kidd and Gary Payton, takes immense pride in his city’s rich basketball and cultural history. Though he wasn’t a high-profile high school recruit, his journey from Oakland High to mid-major Weber State and eventually to NBA superstardom embodies the city’s underdog spirit. Now, as the all-time leading scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, he’s cemented his place among Oakland’s greats.

Beyond basketball, Lillard continues to give back to his community. He recently launched The Damian Lillard Scholars program, offering scholarships to East Bay students attending Portland State University. His philanthropic efforts also include youth camps, an AAU team, and ongoing community initiatives in both Oakland and Portland.

While Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is seen as the face of All-Star Weekend, even he acknowledges Oakland’s deep basketball heritage and Lillard’s role in representing it. The weekend’s festivities, which include events in both Oakland and San Francisco, will honor the city’s impact on the sport.

Lillard, who wears No. 0 to represent Oakland, Ogden (Weber State), and Oregon, sees this All-Star Game as a full-circle moment. As he takes the court in front of his hometown, he carries with him the pride, resilience, and legacy of Oakland basketball.