From NYU Athletics

Senior Riley Demps has been named to the 2021 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Community Assist Team, as it was announced on Thursday, September 23.  

Ten collegiate men's basketball players from across the country were named to the team based on their community service efforts. The student-athletes were selected based on nominations submitted by coaches.

"The commitment to make a difference exhibited by these young men is truly inspiring, and the NABC is proud to celebrate them on our Community Assist Team," said NABC Executive Director Craig Robinson. "We all have a responsibility to use our platforms to positively impact others, and these student-athletes have answered that call."

Demps, along with teammate Cade Hoppe, organized a run-a-thon in June 2020 to raise money for Campaign Zero, an organization that is committed to reducing police violence. Through their social media accounts, they were able to sign up over 180 runners in less than a week. 

"We didn't expect to raise a lot of money," Demps stated. "We thought it would be great to get $10,000, but thought maybe we could raise $5,000. I thank everyone who helped me put on the BLM Run-A-Thon. In all, we created a world-wide movement that allowed people to support such an important cause during such a difficult time in history."

Demps underestimated his own prowess, as the participants combined to run over 1,600 miles and raise over $65,000. Demps himself ran 20 miles on an injured ankle, while Hoppe went a full 30 miles, 19 more than his longest run ever.

"It's great to see that Riley's desire to put others first has been recognized nationally by the NABC," said NYU Head Coach Dagan Nelson. "Riley will find much success in his life due to his character." 

Demps and the NYU Men's Basketball Team did not compete during the 2019-20 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the Violets are scheduled to return to the court on November 5 when they open the 2021-22 season against the College of Mount Saint Vincent.

"After not being able to compete for a while, I am ecstatic to be able to compete with the Violets once more," Demps added. "When something that you have loved gets taken away for so long, it makes it really easy to be eager about our upcoming season. We have a really great team, and I can't wait to see what we as a group can put together. There's something special about playing for the greatest school in the country!"