Buddy Hield returns to Oklahoma for Inaugural Hoops and Partners charity game

Former Oklahoma Sooners star and current Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield brought basketball, community spirit, and a whole lot of heart back to the Sooner State this week, hosting the first-ever Hoops and Partners charity game at the University of Tulsa’s Reynolds Center.

Partnering with The Zone Academy and Tulsa Dream Center, the 8-on-8 matchup featured local business and community leaders, all playing for a purpose. The fundraiser benefited two North Tulsa nonprofits providing education, mentorship, and resources for local youth.

For Hield, the cause was personal.

“I was given the opportunity to a scene in the Bahamas. I know how much community means there, and it’s the same here,” Hield said. “The kids are the future, it’s an easy line to say, but it’s true. They’re the bosses of tomorrow. You invest in them, give them hope, and keep them focused so they can lift their careers off.”

Hield said Oklahoma still feels like home despite his NBA career taking him across the country.

“Oklahoma is always home. It’s where I grew and became a young man,” Hield said. “The community supported me in tremendous ways, so coming back to give back is a no-brainer.”

The charity game capped a week of great community involvement, including networking events, pop-ups, and giveback experiences.

Funds raised will go to:

1. The Zone Academy/TOUCH – Offering tech education, mentorship, and career readiness for Tulsa youth.
2. Tulsa Dream Center – Providing education, medical care, sports leagues, and hunger relief to families in North Tulsa.

Seeing the smiles on kids’ faces reminded Hield exactly why he wanted to make it happen.

“When I was young, I looked at people who did community work and thought, ‘I want to make a difference too,’” he said. “You’re not going to inspire everybody, but even if one or two kids take something from it, that can help turn things around.”

'Hoops and Partners' charity basketball game raising money for Tulsa organizations