BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In a continuing effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the field of competition, the SEC once again highlighted a Community Service Team for men's basketball for the 2023-24 season.
For Auburn men's basketball junior forward Chaney Johnson, a transfer from NCAA Division II Alabama-Huntsville, he has embraced serving others and those less fortunate in his new community. He views community service as a chance to serve as a role model and big brother to youth in the area – a beacon of light showing them, "you can always achieve what you set your mind to."
This fall, Johnson and his teammates visited the East Alabama Regional Detention Center, where they met with teenage inmates, ages 15-19, motivating and inspiring them that there's still hope for their future. He also participated in a Youth for Christ house project, in conjunction with Church of the Highlands Serve Day, where he helped with painting, pressure washing, knocking down walls, hanging doors and doing yard work.
Johnson's favorite project was visiting Woodland Pines Elementary School, where he opened doors and helped greet kids in the carpool line, encouraging them to have a great day at school.
As a team, the Tigers partnered with Auburn University's Hillel chapter packing boxes with relief supplies, food and other items for Israeli children and soldiers at the Auburn Dream Center.
This marks the 26th year for the SEC Community Service Team for men's basketball as well as for women's basketball. All 21 league-sponsored sports have had a Community Service Team since 2004, with at-large teams for men's and women's sports being chosen from 1999-2003. The SEC began this concept with a football Community Service Team in 1994.