In a landmark gesture of gratitude and legacy-building, NBA veterans and Indiana Hoosiers legends Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo have announced a multi-million dollar endowment to support Indiana University’s men’s basketball program. The announcement, reported by ESPN, has sent waves through the college basketball world, as two of IU’s most iconic alumni return to give back to the program that helped launch their professional careers.
Zeller, the 2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball and a key figure in the Hoosiers’ resurgence during the early 2010s, teamed up with former teammate Oladipo, a two-time NBA All-Star and one of the program’s most electrifying players in recent memory, to create an enduring gift that will benefit player development, academic resources, and youth outreach initiatives.
“This program gave us everything—opportunity, discipline, and a platform to chase our dreams,” said Oladipo. “Now it’s our turn to invest in the next generation.”
Zeller echoed those sentiments: “Indiana basketball is in our DNA. We want to help ensure that young players have every chance to succeed, both on and off the court.”
The endowment will fund scholarships, advanced training facilities, mentorship programs, and community engagement projects, reinforcing IU’s reputation as a powerhouse in college basketball. The initiative also aims to deepen connections with local youth, using the game as a tool for education, growth, and opportunity.
Head Coach Darian DeVries praised the move, calling it “a transformative act of generosity and leadership.”
As the Hoosiers look to the future, the contributions of Zeller and Oladipo serve as a powerful reminder that true greatness isn’t just measured in wins or NBA contracts—but in giving back to where it all began.
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