Despite only playing for one NBA season in Portland, Greg Oden has already shown his strong commitment to the youth of Portland and the cause of mentorship. Inspired by the two strong mentors in his life - his mother and Mr. Smith, the father of his late best friend - Greg partnered with Oregon Mentors to form Team ODEN, hoping to connect over 40,000 youth to adult mentors by 2010. Through Team ODEN, Greg has shown his appreciation for hundreds of local volunteer mentors and their mentees, hosting a carnival and a holiday party over the past year, and there are still more events to come.

Oden is quickly making an impact on the Portland community – in addition to his work with Oregon Mentors through Team ODEN, he has spent countless hours connecting with youth across the city as he participates in school assemblies, children’s hospital visits, and community events like the Rose Festival kid’s parade. Oden has also shown his support for the Ronald McDonald House Charities, spending some time with the families at the local Ronald McDonald House as well as providing fundraising support by serving coffee at a local McDonald’s. Oden’s work in the community and his focus on mentorship led to an invitation to join then-First Lady Barbara Bush in speaking at the Helping America’s Youth conference.

“Every kid should have someone in their life that can support and encourage them. Without strong mentors, I wouldn't be here today. I have given a lot of thought to how to use my influence in the community. I always come back to mentoring, because I know how important mentors have been in my life. Without strong mentors, I wouldn't be where I am.”

About Greg Oden

Greg Oden was born in 1988 in Buffalo, New York. He played for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was the third freshman in the history of college basketball to be voted to the Associated Press All-American team. In June 2007, Oden was drafted first overall by the Portland Trailblazers, and despite being injured his first NBA season, he averaged 8.9 points and 7.0 rebounds.