Shaun Livingston

“I want to be the person to help inspire the next generation to leave something, to leave a legacy that can inspire others. “

Shaun Livingston was born and raised in Peoria, Illinois, where faith and academics were a constant throughout his life. Shaun’s passion for playing basketball started when he was a very young child, and as early as 4th grade, he began excelling in competitive basketball at Roosevelt Magnet School.  Later, Shaun attended Concordia Lutheran Grade School, where his team landed two LSA state titles.  In high school, he played competitively at Richwoods High School for two years, and then finished at Peoria High School, where he led his team to two Class AA state titles.

In 2004 Shaun received the Illinois Mr. Basketball award and was named co-MVP after playing in the McDonald’s High School All-American game.  That same year, Shaun was listed as the No. 1 point guard and No. 2 player in the nation.  Initially, he committed to attending Duke University but ultimately decided to enter the NBA Draft where the LA Clippers selected him in the first round, fourth overall pick.  Shaun continued to improve athletically during his first two NBA seasons, playing in a total of 91 games. In his third season, he averaged a career high 9.3 points per game becoming an integral part of one of the best seasons in history for the LA Clippers. In early 2007 Shaun experienced a life-changing injury, considered by most to be the worst in NBA history.  A medical professional informed him the injuries were so traumatic that he could lose his leg.  In the face of professional detriment and potential long-term physical impairment, Shaun was determined to return to the court. Professionalism and a strong work ethic enabled Shaun to not only keep his career moving forward, but armed him with a successful portfolio of work that landed him a place with his current team – the Golden State Warriors.   He has shared three championship rings with his teammates over the last five seasons.  At this time, the Warriors are ranked No. 1 in the Western Conference with more than 40 wins.

Regardless of the constant change in his career, traumatic physical setbacks, and resilient professional successes, Shaun has never forgotten where he came from.  Through his non-profit organization, the Shaun Livingston Foundation, he gives back to the community each year through free basketball camps, partnerships with the Afro American Police League, Thanksgiving meals, hosting families for Christmas and making behind the scenes charitable donations.  He also prides himself on being a dedicated husband to his wife Joanna and father to his daughter Tyler and her baby sister who will be born later this year.