Former Taft HS and UCLA star still making contribution off the court

Ever since he led Woodland Hills Taft High School to its first Los Angeles City basketball title in 2004 and onto UCLA where he drove the Bruins back on glory road to his three seasons with the Lakers, Jordan Farmar has always been a star on the court.

Since arriving to the Lakers as the 26th pick in 2006 after just his sophomore season he has been a pleasant surprise, contributing to the Lakers during their crucial title run last season and this season although he suffered a knee injury that required surgery he came back and played in a total of 65 games.

During most of this season the Lakers bench has been credited with being one of the primary reasons for the team finishing with the second best overall record in the league behind Cleveland.

Farmar was a big part of that, but he has not been a big part of the Lakers most recent playoff success.

After averaging 18 minutes per game during the regular season, Farmar played just two games of the five game series against the Jazz and averaged just four minutes per game.

The paltry 1.0 point average is the worst during his infant career, and what was cheers for Farmar is now reserved for Shannon Brown, acquired from Charlotte. Brown averaged 17 minutes and 7 points against the Jazz.

However, you will not find Farmar pouting or complaining. Instead what you will discover is that he is pretty much the same person that he's always been.

"I'm my worst critic," he said. "No one can be harder on me than I am on myself."

Farmar has always been blessed with the burning desire to be the best player that he can, but he is also quite mature for his age.

It didn't take him long to develop The Jordan Farmar Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds for other worthwhile charities.

Asked why he seems get the importance of giving back and why others do not his response was candid.

"I don't know. I just believe that I am quite fortunate to be where I am today and find that it is part of my responsibility to help others less fortunate."

His first big fund raiser will be the inaugural Jordan Farmar Celebrity Golf Classic and gala on July 20 at the prestigious Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks.

"I think it's a great way to bring friends together for some golf and fund for a worthy cause," added Farmar.

Realizing the greatest contribution that he can make is to improve the lives of others is what separates Farmar from many other athletes, and it is what truly makes him a star contributing off the basketball court as well.

 

Last update: 05-12-2009 17:39

Published in : Sports, Basketball

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