Cleanthony Early giving back to his hometown

By foxsports
Published

Cleanthony Early doesn't have a long way to go to get home.

After spending the early years of his childhood in the Bronx, he and his family moved over to Middletown, NY, not too far from New York City, where Early now stars for the Knicks. So, Early can pretty easily make his way back to the place he once called home, and apparently, that's exactly what he's doing.

The Times Herald-Record put together a nice feature on Early and his propensity to help out within their community, especially with kids who are headed back to school.

Here's some of what Josh Bakan wrote:

Click here to read the full article.

Early averaged 5.4 points in 39 games played during his rookie season. The 24-year-old hopes to play a bigger role for a better team during year two of his NBA career.

(h/t Times Herald-Record

The Pine Bush High product and the Transformation Church hosted The Early Back to School Celebration on Saturday. The church intends to run the event with Early annually.

Early signed autographs for hundreds. The church also distributed more than 500 free backpacks with school supplies to attending children. The event featured free haircuts, free food, basketball competitions, bouncy houses and carnival games.

Even with all eyes on Early, he can always count on Middletown as a humble escape from the Knicks circus.

“Cle is kind of a low-key guy,” Glover said. “He doesn’t like to be [in the spotlight]. He’s humble.”

Early expressed that humility with more than his soft voice. When asked about his favorite purchase since signing his NBA contract, his answer held far less flash than his smile.