SAN JUAN - Jose Barea has combined his work ethic, determination and talent to earn a good living playing basketball.

The 10-year NBA veteran, an NBA champion in 2011 and a long-time member of his national team, is using his foundation to make it so others have the opportunity to do the same - or at least enjoy having the use of decent sports facilities.

"The best moments of my childhood and youth have been on a court," Barea said.

"We are going at a good rate impacting on the schools around the island.

"There are many schools that don't have decent facilities to practice sports and to study physical education and we can't let this go on. Sport is not just an issue about health. It’s also an effective tool for the education of youngsters."

At last count, his Jose Barea Foundation had restored eight basketball courts at schools in Puerto Rico, including the Escuela Elemental Berwind de San Juan and La Escuela Luis Hernaiz de Canóvanas.

There have been repairs for backboards and baskets, and courts have been painted again.

Barea at a court his foundation has restored (photo courtesy holaciudad.com)

"FIBA Americas has been an important partner in the JJ Barea Foundation during this project," said Jenaro 'Tuto' Marchand, secretario emérito de FIBA Americas.

"It's a dream for me that all the schools can have the necessary tools to bring basketball to the students."

Doctor Mayra Cruz Rivera, who serves as vice president of the Mercadeo y Asuntos Estudiantiles del SUAGM (student education board) said: "As part of our program, Puerto Rico paints its best face. We want parents and students to contribute, to foment, sporting activity.

"The difference that a renovated court can make in a life of youngster is incredible."

The Department of Education, FIBA 3x3, the Mavs Foundation and numerous entities are involved with the project.

FIBA