On Saturday, dozens of children and families gathered to a community basketball court in Waterloo, Ontario, to meet NBA great and hometown idol Jamal Murray.

The Denver Nuggets guard was in town to dedicate the new court and distribute backpacks containing school essentials.

Murray, who grew up in Kitchener, returns to give back to his hometown on a regular basis.

“I just love the energy,” he explained. “The sport is popular among both girls and boys. keeps them out of trouble. I come out here occasionally to shoot with certain folks and be a part of the community.”

Murray hopes the basketball court will help get kids out of the house and away from their phones.

“Anytime you put up a court where young kinds wanna grow and learn and be with each other, you know not just basketball but sports in general, keep them active, keep them fit and always be outdoorsy,” he went on to say.

Murray collaborated with the Region of Waterloo to deliver the new hoop to the Amos Avenue Community Housing Complex.

He was moved by the loss of a little toddler who was hit by a vehicle while playing outside the complex in the summer of 2016, and contacted the region to do something for the community.

“It’s not only a memorial, but it’s almost like changing the tone of this idea of tragedy into something positive,” said Mina Fayez-Bahgat.

“The family is really thankful. They’ve been out and about, and Jamal stops by every year to spend some peaceful time with them.”

Scott Gleason, who previously coached Murray in Kitchener, brought his two sons, Chase and Cooper, to have their basketballs signed.

“We care about Jamal and we’re proud of him and we like what he’s doing here in the neighbourhood,” Gleason said in a statement.

Those who attended the occasion say Murray is a role model and source of pride for the community.