Duke junior Tyler Thornton is one of five players named to the inaugural Allstate NABC Division I Good Works Team as announced today by Allstate Insurance Company and the NABC.
The award recognizes a unique group of men's college basketball student-athletes who have made outstanding contributions in the areas of volunteerism and civic involvement including building homes for the elderly, leading basketball clinics, reading to students and working with children with hearing disabilities.
Thornton has been a steady contributor on the court for the Blue Devils averaging 3.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Widely recognized as a terrific defender and strong leader he has also made an outstanding impact in the community.
In addition to participating in the Read with the Blue Devils program and with the Duke Children's Hospital, Thornton also began working the SONS (Students Of New Success) program at CC Spaulding Elementary School this fall. This unique program, which was created to both educate and mentor at-risk males, is integrated into the educational curricula for third through fifth grades. The program also provides students with historic cultural lessons, tutoring and test preparation as well as a safe place for them to share and receive guidance for their struggles at home and in the community. Through the program, Thornton has developed strong relationships with the students and become a positive male role model as well as someone they look up to, rely on, and confide in.