Just days after hearing his name called in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, former Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester member Jaden Bradley returned to the place where part of his journey began—not to talk about basketball, but to champion the importance of reading.

On Thursday, July 2, Jaden visited the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester to spend the afternoon with members participating in the Club’s nationally recognized Accelerated Reading (AR) Program. He read with youth, answered questions, signed autographs, posed for photos, and encouraged members to stay committed to their education.

For Jaden, the visit was a meaningful homecoming.

As a child, Jaden and his family were active participants in the Club’s Accelerated Reading Program. Long before he became an NCAA Final Four standout at the University of Arizona and was selected by the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Draft, he was building the same habits of learning, discipline, and perseverance that continue to shape his success today.

“Watching Jaden return to the Club just days after being drafted by the Toronto Raptors was an incredible moment for our members,” said Reggie Smith, Health and Physical Education Coordinator at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester. “Our kids were excited to meet an NBA player, but what made the biggest impact was hearing that he was once in their shoes. Jaden showed them that reading, working hard in school, and staying committed to your goals can open doors you never imagined. Seeing him come back to invest in our members speaks volumes about his character and the importance of giving back.”

Throughout the afternoon, members had the opportunity to hear firsthand how education has remained an important part of Jaden’s life, even as his basketball career has taken him to the highest level. His message was simple but powerful: work hard, keep learning, and never forget where you came from.

The visit also highlighted the lasting impact of the Club’s Accelerated Reading Program, which encourages members to strengthen their literacy skills through independent reading, comprehension quizzes, and goal setting. Each year, Club youth read thousands of books while developing the confidence and academic foundation needed to succeed in school and beyond.

For many of the young people in attendance, meeting an NBA player was unforgettable. But perhaps even more meaningful was learning that before the bright lights, national television broadcasts, and professional basketball, Jaden was once sitting where they are today—reading books, setting goals, and dreaming big at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester.

His return served as a powerful reminder that the Club is more than a place to spend time after school. It is a place where futures are built, confidence is developed, and lifelong connections are formed.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester is grateful to Jaden Bradley for taking the time to invest in the next generation of Club kids and for demonstrating that no matter how far success takes you, there is always value in coming home to inspire those following in your footsteps.

Congratulations, Jaden, on being drafted by the Toronto Raptors. We are proud to have been a part of your journey and look forward to cheering you on as your NBA career begins.

Watch the Coverage

Jaden’s visit generated outstanding local media coverage, highlighting the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester’s Accelerated Reading Program and the importance of giving back to the community.