Spurs legend Sean Elliott likes watching the "young guys grow" for Spurs

Even after achieving success in college and the NBA, San Antonio Spurs legend Sean Elliott never shied away from using his platform to help others.

Elliott, who won a championship with the Spurs in 1999 and captured the hearts of Spurs fans with his "Memorial Day Miracle" 3-pointer in the Western Conference Finals that season, has always made it a priority to help others in need.

Elliott showcased that gesture Thursday as the keynote speaker of the Children's Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend Garden of Hope Gala at the Ortiz Center in downtown Corpus Christi.

"To be honest I didn't know about the Children's Advocacy Center until a couple of months ago," Elliott said. "They reached out to me and then once you read their mission and what they were trying to accomplish, it meant a lot to me and to my wife Claudia. We're honored by the fact they asked me to be here and speak at their first Gala."

Since 1994, the Children's Advocacy Center of the Coastal Bend has dedicated itself to provide healing and justice for every child who walks through their doors.

The center offers specialized forensic interviews and therapeutic recovery services for victims of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, drug-endangerment, human trafficking, and witnesses to violent crimes, homicide and domestic violence.

"I'm just fortunate to be able to use my platform," Elliott said. "You can use it for good and things that aren't so good. This is an incredible worthy cause and I am just so proud to be associated with it.

"I want them to know how much they are appreciated, that's the biggest thing. The fact everyone is doing their part to chip away at a major problem in this country and the fact so many people showed up to make a difference is the biggest thing."

The Children's Advocacy Center serves 10 counties throughout the Coastal Bend. In fact, the center conducted 1,588 forensic interviews and provided services to 814 families at no cost in 2021.

Executive Director Clarissa Mora said the local non-profit agency has had its most successful fundraiser this year because of Elliott's appearance and the connection he has with the South Texas community.

Elliott's appearance help feature basketball-related items at this year's Gala auction, which included signed Sean Elliott basketballs, Spurs courtside tickets and more.

"We wanted to choose somebody who was really devoted to serving underprivileged communities and children," Mora said of Elliott. "He's a great guy and an absolute pleasure to work with."

Elliott will begin his 21st season calling Spurs games on television, which has included television appearances on ESPN, NBC, Fox Sports Southwest and now Bally Sports Southwest.

The former Arizona Wildcat, who retired from the NBA in 2001, has played alongside Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan and now, Manu Ginobili.

Although the Spurs are still searching for their first playoff win since 2019, Elliott expects a fun season for a young San Antonio team.

"For years, I had the absolute best product in the NBA," Elliott said of covering decades of Spurs' winning seasons. "It was easy to call such great games when you had players like David (Robinson), Tony (Parker), Manu (Ginobili) and of course, Tim Duncan. It was always fun going to work everyday and it's still fun.

"I love to watch the young guys grow and I love to see them grow in front of your very eyes, and get better game-by-game. If you're a Spurs fan, you will have to enjoy the process because it's going to be fun."

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Spurs legend Sean Elliott speaks at Children's Advocacy Center event