David DeJulius is a few weeks away from the start of his final season with the Bearcats and he recently announced his decision to donate all of the profits from his jersey sales to provide books to inner-city kids from Cincinnati and his hometown Detroit.
For the first time ever in school history, the athletic department is selling jerseys that student athletes can benefit from now as well. Instead of potentially making a profit this year, DeJulius decided to make a significant difference within his own community.
The Detroit native attended Detroit Edison Academy and graduated from East English Village Prep before spending two seasons at Michigan. Following his sophomore year, DeJulius transferred to Cincinnati and quickly became an integral part of the program.
It's about more than basketball. 🤝@GoBearcatsMBB guard @DavidDejulius announced he'll be donating his earnings from NIL jersey sales to underprivileged students in Cincinnati and his hometown Detroit. pic.twitter.com/AUgQoXvayt
— Cincinnati Bearcats (@GoBEARCATS) October 18, 2022
Cincinnati Basketball: David DeJulius decides to donate jersey sales to inner-city kids
DeJulius developed into a go-to ball handler, play maker and scorer for the Bearcats last season, averaging a team-high 14.5 points per game, and will take on an even more significant role this year. Coming off an impressive season, DeJulius was named to the All-AAC Preseason Second Team.
The Bearcats are prepared to host Chaminade in the regular season opener on November 7 and DeJulius is hoping to start his last year with a victory. During a recent press conference, DeJulius discussed why he will donate his jersey sales via Cincinnati Athletics.
"“I’d like to announce we’re having jerseys sold this year and 100% of the profits from that will go towards providing books to inner-city kids from Cincinnati and Detroit. Coming from the inner city of Detroit, I see first hand that people might not have the proper guidance or environment in place. I feel like books create discipline and build a hunger for knowledge. Knowledge is the first step of becoming well-rounded people. I just want people to know who are buying my jersey this year, it will be more than just buying the jersey. It’s going towards something bigger than myself and I appreciate anyone who would take the opportunity to buy my jersey and wear it.”"