BATON ROUGE – LSU men’s basketball coach Trent Johnson, joined by his wife Jackie, took part in the first Dash Against Diabetes presented by the Tyrus Thomas Foundation and The American Diabetes Association this past Saturday in downtown Baton Rouge.
The event was part of the community efforts of the former LSU star who helped lead the Tigers to the 2006 NCAA Final Four as a freshman before moving to the NBA where he hopes to enter his sixth season in the league (once the lockout ends) with the Charlotte Bobcats.
The Tyrus Thomas Foundation’s mission is to cultivate and improve the Greater Baton Rouge, Charlotte, and Chicago community by implementing programs geared towards youth outreach, enhancing the community through development, and supporting other organizations with similar initiatives and goals.
Thomas will host a “Suits and Sneakers” gala from 7 to 11 p.m. this Friday night at the Hilton Hotel in support of his foundation and minority recruitment through the Black Male Leadership Initiative at LSU. The event features a cocktail reception, great food, an open bar, an auction and live entertainment.
Later in the day Saturday Thomas returned the favor of Coach Johnson participating in his walk by joining some other former LSU players who took part in a scrimmage with members of the LSU men’s team.
The Tigers open the 2011-12 season on Saturday at the Maravich Center against Nicholls. Tip time is noon and admission is free of charge.
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