Arlington, Texas, has recently honored hometown NBA All-Star Cade Cunningham in two distinct celebrations: the unveiling of a community basketball court back in August, and the recent retirement of his high school jersey number in December. Cunningham, who played for Bowie High School before making his name in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, has been recognized for his significant contributions both on and off the court, according to Arlington's official website.
Named the Cade Cunningham Community Court, the outdoor basketball facility was installed at Cravens Park and comes equipped with advanced features like a high-performance, shock-absorbing surface and pro-grade rims. Funded entirely by Cunningham and his family, the court is a sanctuary for ball players of all stripes to hone their game and chase their hoop dreams just as he once did. On the court's celebratory opening day, Mayor Jim Ross designated August 17 as "Cade Cunningham Day in Arlington", capturing a momentous occasion where Cunningham reflected, per the City of Arlington, "This amount of love is special to me. Special to my family. From the bottom of our hearts, we really do appreciate it."
The spirit of community and role models loomed large again on Wednesday, when Cunningham's No. 2 jersey was retired at Bowie High School, an event accompanied by educators, coaches, and students who have borne witness to the athlete's growth and achievements. "As we stand here today and retire your high school jersey, Cade, know this – your teachers, your administrators, coaches, and your friends will never forget the kid that you were." Principal Morehead praised the basketball star, whose jersey now symbolizes his legacy and serves as a beacon of inspiration for current students, according to the City of Arlington.
