Ex-NBA Star Chris Herren Returns to Fresno to Share Recovery

Chris Herren once lit up basketball courts for Fresno State and the NBA, but his most important victory happened off the court on August 1, 2008.

That's the day the 6-foot-2 guard started his recovery journey. Now, over 16 years later, he's returning to Fresno State to share his story with the campus community.

Herren will deliver his talk "The First Day" on February 19 at 6 p.m. in the Ruiz Ballroom. The free event is open to all Fresno State students, staff, and faculty who register online.

In the late 1990s, Herren was a household name in college basketball. He starred for legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian and led the Bulldogs to 20-plus wins each season.

The Denver Nuggets drafted him 33rd overall in 1999. He played 45 games as a rookie before joining the Boston Celtics, but addiction cut his NBA career short and sent him overseas to play professionally.

His story became widely known through the Emmy-nominated ESPN documentary "Unguarded." Since beginning recovery, he's traveled across America sharing his message with youth, adults, and athletes at every level.

Why This Inspires

Herren didn't just rebuild his own life. In 2011, he founded the Herren Project, a nonprofit that provides free addiction recovery resources and support to anyone who needs help.

The organization empowers schools and communities to make healthy choices while guiding families through the recovery process. In 2018, he launched Herren Wellness, a residential program helping people lead substance-free lives.

"Through his message, he challenges audiences to rethink the conversation around addiction and encourages individuals to seek help and support," said Jenny Swider, communications director for the Herren Project.

Herren hasn't forgotten the community that supported him during difficult times. "A lot of people gave me all they could at a very difficult time in my life here," he said during a 2016 campus visit.

Current Fresno State students will receive free pizza while supplies last, along with resources about safety and wellness. It's a homecoming built not on past glory, but on hope for the future.