From NBA Star to Champion for Health, Heart and Community

For former NBA player and South Jersey native Jason Thompson, basketball has always been more than a game—it has been a path to personal growth, discipline and opportunity. Today, after a successful professional career on the court, he has shifted his focus to something even more meaningful: using his platform to promote healthy living, inspire youth and give back to the community that raised him.

Thompson’s journey began in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, where his passion for basketball and dedication to hard work propelled him from local courts to a standout collegiate career at Rider University. In 2008, he was drafted 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings, launching a professional career that would include stints with the Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors and top European leagues. Yet, through all the success, Thompson never lost sight of the importance of community—or the value of health.

In 2011, following the tragic loss of his cousin Tiffany to heart disease, Thompson founded The Jason Thompson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating healthier lifestyles for children and young adults. Its mission reflects Thompson’s deeply personal understanding of the importance of heart health, wellness and education. Its guiding principle, L.I.V.E.—Learn. Imagine. Voice. Educate., empowers young people to lead by example, make informed choices and stay active in both mind and body.

A cornerstone of Thompson’s outreach is the JT Elite Basketball Camp, now in its 16th year, held each summer at the RiverWinds Community Center, in West Deptford, New Jersey. Open to boys and girls from second grade through high school, the camp offers far more than just basketball drills. It creates an environment where youth can build confidence, develop leadership skills and gain valuable mentorship—not only from Thompson, but from guest speakers including current and former NBA, WNBA and G League professionals.

Physical activity is central to the camp’s mission, but equally important is the focus on overall wellness. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise and mindfulness. Thompson believes that by instilling these values early, young people are better equipped to lead balanced, healthy lives well into adulthood.

“Health is everything,” Thompson shares. “I’ve seen firsthand how quickly life can change. That’s why it’s so important for me to help kids understand not just how to play the game, but how to take care of their bodies and their futures.”

Through his foundation and his unwavering commitment to youth development, Jason Thompson continues to be a powerful role model, showing that true success is not measured solely by professional accolades, but by the lives we touch along the way. His work reminds us all of the importance of movement, mentorship and heart—both literally and figuratively.

For more information about The Jason Thompson Foundation and the JT Elite Basketball Camp, visit www.LiveLikeJT.com or follow along on social media at @livelikejt and @thejtfoundation.