Keeping Up with a Pro: Jaden McDaniels Visits Urban Ventures

Can you keep up with a pro? 

That was the question of the day as Minnesota Timberwolves star Jaden McDaniels stopped by Urban Ventures with some of his staff to run a private workout for a select group of high school basketball players from our neighborhood. 

Jaden has been a friend of Urban Ventures for years, frequently making time to visit the campus and spend time with students, including a "Look Good, Feel Good" trip to a local barbershop earlier this spring. 

For this visit, though, it was the students' chance to step-up. Jaden arrived suited up and ready to work, and the teens were invited to try and keep up as he went through a workout. An hour later, Jaden seemed to be just warming up while most of the teens had sweat through. Turns out being a pro is hard work. 

"It's great to have Jaden here, showing these kids what it takes to chase that dream," said Aaron Buchanan, Urban Ventures' Athletic Director, "but also showing them that it can be done. Jaden knows what it's like to grow up in a neighborhood like ours. That makes it more meaningful that he's here with these guys."

Photos and high fives followed up the practice, along with some parting words of encouragement from Jaden.