James Donaldson - Washington State University Cougar Legend to Speak to students (and public) on WSU campus - Thursday, Sept. 22nd 3pm- Pullman, WA. CUB Junior Ballroom

NBA all-star

Cougar basketball legend to discuss leadership

Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2011

By Steve Nakata, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

PULLMAN, Wash. - Former NBA all-star and Washington State University basketball player James Donaldson will talk about leadership and life success at a free public presentation at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, in the CUB junior ballroom.

Following his senior season at WSU in 1979, Donaldson was selected by the Seattle Supersonics in the fourth round of the NBA draft. His professional career included stints with the San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, Utah Jazz and Harlem Globetrotters. He became an NBA all-star in 1988 while playing with the Mavericks.

"He has many great stories to share about his life experiences, leadership and success,” said Milton Lang, senior associate vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment. "He will be an inspiration to all.”

Small business, civic leader

After suffering a career-threatening knee injury, he established the Donaldson Clinic in 1990. Located in Mill Creek, Wash., the physical therapy business thrives, and Donaldson is a consultant for other small business owners.

He is a well-known motivational speaker who frequently visits community organizations and schools to share words of inspiration. He participates in many civic organizations and last year campaigned to become mayor of Seattle. Out of eight candidates, he placed fourth.

This year he released "Standing Above the Crowd,” a book that shares success strategies and life lessons; it will be available for purchase. www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com

Inducted into halls of fame

Standing 7-feet-2-inches tall and weighing 280 pounds, Donaldson was hard to miss wherever he ventured in Pullman as a student. In fact, he is the tallest player to ever wear a Cougar uniform. His size certainly gave opposing teams fits as he became one of WSU’s greatest basketball players.

 Donaldson closed his 84-game career as WSU’s all-time leader in both field goal percentage (.542), a record now held by Don Collins, and blocked shots (176), a record that still stands. In 2006, he was elected into the PAC-10 Sports Hall of Fame and the WSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

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Source:
Milton Lang, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment, 509-335-3574, mlang1@wsu.edu

Media contact:
Steve Nakata, Manager of Communications, Student Affairs and Enrollment, 509-335-1774, nakata@wsu.edu