Torrey Craig and the Celtics Turn South Boston Into a Hoops Haven—Heartwarming Scenes You Can’t Miss!

 The Boston Celtics, in partnership with Dunkin’, made a meaningful impact in South Boston on Friday by unveiling a newly renovated basketball facility at the Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club. The event was a celebration of community and the power of sports, featuring Celtics newcomer Torrey Craig and team mascot Lucky the Leprechaun. Together, they helped introduce the club’s young members to their upgraded gym while also sharing in a day of fun and basketball.

Fifty local youth gathered to see the updated gymnasium, participate in a basketball clinic with Craig, and enjoy a surprise round of giveaways, including mini basketballs, customized t-shirts, hats, and, of course, some Dunkin’ treats. For Craig, it didn’t matter that the Celtics had just returned from a road win in Philadelphia the night before; he was determined to be there for the kids.

“I think we landed around 12 (p.m.) and then I tried to make my way here as fast as I could,” Craig said. “I was told about this event and the kids and youth center, so I just wanted to come here and just interact with the kids and have a good time.”

The event was about more than just basketball. It was about continuing to strengthen the bond between the Celtics and the Boston community.

“I always told myself that if I ever became a public figure, I would try to give back as much as I could,” Craig shared. “When I was a kid, I used to dream about an NBA player coming to renovate a court or interact with us. So now that I’m in that position, that’s exactly what I’m doing.”

Craig, who arrived Feb. 8 in Boston ready to contribute on and off the floor, wasted no time immersing himself in the city’s culture.

“I love Boston,” he said. “It’s a great community, a real sports town. The fans show so much emotion, support, and love. You can tell this community is tight-knit, and now that I’m here, I feel it and see it every day.”

That immersion, however, came with a learning curve, especially when it came to Boston’s weather.

“I know one thing, I walked on this ice about five, six times and slipped every time,” Craig joked. “When I first got here, I thought the snow was kind of soft, but it was a little harder than I thought.”

The Edgerley Family South Boston Boys & Girls Club, a cornerstone of the neighborhood since 1938, provides a safe space for over 550 young people annually. With a focus on teamwork, leadership, and personal growth, the club’s gymnasium plays a crucial role in fostering these values. The renovations feature repaired hoops, new bleachers, backboards, and fresh wall padding.

This marks the second consecutive year Dunkin’ has partnered with the Celtics to improve community facilities.

“We are honored to team up with the Celtics once again to fuel the heart of the city: our local community,” said Dunkin’ franchisee Victor Carvalho. “Supporting young fans through these renovations is an opportunity to inspire, connect, and learn from future generations of athletes and leaders.”

The opportunity to mentor and support young players is deeply personal, something Craig mentioned multiple times.

“Having another outlet to play basketball, have fun, and be with your friends is super important,” he said. “It builds character and leadership skills. Just being around one another, getting along, and learning from the game, that’s what it’s all about.”

His leadership extends beyond community events, as he looks to support his teammates in any way he can.

“When I was a rookie, I looked to the older guys to guide me,” Craig said. “Now, after being on a lot of good teams and even making the Finals (in 2021 with the Phoenix Suns), I try to pass on what I’ve learned. Anything that can give them an edge or help them be a little better, I want to share that.”

With Craig bringing his hard-nosed play style and commitment to community engagement, he’s going to fit in just fine. Whether he’s hitting the court at TD Garden, adjusting to Boston’s icy sidewalks (watch out for those, Torrey), or giving back to the next generation of hoopers, Craig is already making his mark in Boston.