Fred Van Vleet was asked to return to Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois, his alma mater, and speak to the graduating class of 2014. The young sophomore who averaged over 30 minutes, 11.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds proved to be wise beyond his years in this seven minute long address.
Van Vleet's main message seemed to be the usual commencment address of chasing your dreams but things really hit home when he said to be proud of where you come from.
"I want you to go out and use this as a platform. They’re always telling us Rockford is a miserable place to live, not a lot of talent coming out of Rockford. You can live up to it and make it worse, or you can change it and make it better. The power of change starts with choices."
Kudos to Mr. Van Vleet and we look forward to seeing what he can do on the floor during the 2014-15 season.