DAVIS, Calif. - As has been the case each season since Jim Les first arrived to UC Davis, the men's basketball team connected with surrounding communities by organizing school visits, assemblies, service projects and through its reading program. For its extensive outreach efforts, the program received the Silver Community Service Award from the UC Davis Community Resource Center and was the only athletics team honored.

After successful campaigns in each of its first two seasons, over 20,000 students from 29 schools in Sacramento and Yolo counties participated in the Men's Basketball Reading Program this year - a new all-time high.

"The surrounding communities have done a great job supporting this team, and the Reading Program since its inception. The players and coaches feel this program is an excellent way to collaborate with local teachers, promote the benefits of reading to their students and give back to our community," said Les.

Each participant received a complementary ticket to a UC Davis men's basketball home game, weekly player bios, videos, motivational posters and a monthly newsletter. Administrators who sought an additional level of engagement reserved school buses, organized field trips to the Pavilion and took pare in a a pre-game presentation and question-and-answer session. Afterwards, students were presented with an opportunity to take photos of, and receive autographs from various Aggies.

In an effort to reach as many students as possible, players and coaches also visited a slew of schools throughout the region to conduct additional presentations and assemblies. During these events, student-athletes discussed the importance of reading, shared their personal experiences as an elementary, junior high and high school student, and offered advice to help students succeed academically by honing their time management, organization, planning and scheduling skills.

"Our students loved the assembly," said Patricia Hecht, principal at Sierra Enterprise Elementary School. The more they hear about college, speak to college students and become excited about college, the greater chance we have of them actually attending college.  Once the players addressed the crowd, it was clear that everyone loves playing basketball. However, they all emphasized how important it is to read, working hard and never quit in order to become successful in school and life.

"The players are articulate, well-spoken, patient and engaging. Every player that spoke at Sierra Enterprise is a true representative of UC Davis and its student-athletes. I cannot thank them enough!"

"This Reading Program is not only beneficial to local elementary students, but to the players as well," added Les. "Our student-athletes enjoy making a positive impact in Davis, and throughout the region. They understand their position as a role model, enjoy sharing their own experiences and are just as excited to participate throughout the year."

"It's rewarding, and humbling, to see that my words and my experiences are positively affecting young students. It is an honor and a privilege to visit local schools and share my background and knowledge with everyone," said sophomore guard Darius Graham. 

Even with academic and athletic commitments of their own, men's basketball's student-athletes still found time to organize two annual holiday events. For the third straight season, the program teamed up with the Yolo Food Bank and Toys for Tots for its canned food and toy drives.

Community involvement begins each off-season while the Aggies are prepping for their upcoming slate of games. This year, UC Davis assisted the Yolo Food Bank with the organization, and execution of its Kids Farmers Market.

During this on-site, interactive experience, Yolo Food Bank provides elementary-aged children with an opportunity to access fresh fruits and vegetables through a fun and interactive farmers' market-style distribution. This weekly afterschool program, which rotates locations throughout Yolo County each week, also incorporates nutrition education and physical activity.

"Once men's basketball reached out to us, we thought that the Kids Farmers Market was the perfect event because it is fun and interactive. The kids realize how important nutrition is when they see the student-athletes up close. They realize that if they eat properly, they can live a healthy lifestyle and become big and strong," said Food Bank program coordinator Emilia Aguirre. 

"It is rare for any sports team to collaborate with us, we feel really honored to have (UC Davis men's basketball) here to help out at an event like this."

Aggie men's basketball was one of 282 UC Davis students, staff, faculty or organizations recognized for their outstanding commitment to the UC Davis Community. Combined, the award winners completed over 100,000 hours of service throughout the past year.