On the court, Vinny has had a spectacular career, first at N.C. State and now in the NBA. Off the court, Del Negro has provided even more heroics through volunteer work and community service.

Del Negro’s stellar career at N.C. State had many highlights. He helped lead an injury riddled team to a victory over Navy in the 1986 Tip-Off Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. Navy was led by future San Antonio teammate David Robinson. Although this nationally televised victory in his hometown was no doubt very special, Del Negro had his biggest moments in the tradition filled ACC conference. Vinny was named to the All-ACC team his senior year, yet the pinnacle of Del Negro’s NC State career came in the 1987 ACC Tournament when he was just a junior. The Wolfpack entered ACC tourney play needing to win the championship to gain a berth in the NCAA tournament. An exciting overtime victory over Duke was followed by a win over Wake Forest. The semi-final contest against the Demon Deacons needed two overtimes to decide a winner. The hungry Pack then needed an improbable victory over the arch-rival Tar Heels from Chapel Hill. UNC was undefeated in conference play that year and seemed destined to win yet another ACC title. The underdogs from Raleigh were long shots, it would take a near perfect effort to conquer Goliath. However, the upset minded Wolfpack played inspired basketball and put themselves into a position to win with a mere 15 seconds left in the game. That’s when Vinny Del Negro hit two critical free throws to give the Pack a one point lead which they would never relinquish. The impossible dream had come true. The Pack was a very long shot to win the tournament but luckily they had the sharp shooter Vinny Del Negro to take that long shot.

The NBA was next for Vinny, he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings. After a few years in Sacramento and two more in the Italian league, Vinny signed with the San Antonio Spurs. Del Negro had several impressive years with the Spurs. He led the team in field goal percentage in 1997 and made a team record 50 straight free throws in the 1993-1994 season. The Spurs made it to the Western Conference Finals in Del Negro’s tenor there. This year Vinny signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in order to bolster their bench. For the first time in years, the Bucks are primed to make the playoffs.

Vinny’s hands have dished out team leading assist numbers in the NBA, but his helping hands off the court have assisted countless hundreds. Del Negro has run basketball camps for children in Sacramento for over nine years. He helped charter the Vinny Del Negro Endowment Fund in Massachusetts. This Endowment Fund helps sexually and physically abused youths. Del Negro’s generosity does not stop there. He helped found the All-Star Connection in 1996. This organization raises money for the San Antonio school systems. He has also visited and lectured local schools as part of the All-Star Connection program. He stresses the importance of staying in school to young students and provides a wonderful example for the kids. Vinny Del Negro is most certainly a role model which any child can and should look up to. Del Negro’s kindness and generosity are most certainly rare commodities. As great as his basketball skills are, his human compassion appears to be even greater.

When I interviewed Vinny, he spoke very highly of his family. I could tell how much he cared for his parents, his two sisters, and his wife. It is truly rare when someone so successful constantly shares the spotlight with those that are dear to him. Vinny Del Negro is a winner on the court and a champion off of the court.