NBA names Tobias Harris winner of Community Assist Award for March

Tobias Harris earned more recognition for his community-service efforts in the Central Florida area. The NBA announced Thursday that it has named Harris the winner of its Community Assist Award for March.

"I love the Orlando community and feel blessed to be part of it as both a basketball player and a role model to these kids," Harris said in a statement. "Giving back and guiding them towards educational success is very important to me."

To that end, Harris established programs at three Orlando-area schools in an effort to foster environments which value high character and academic excellence. He has also established a book club at Howard Middle School.

On Harris' behalf, Kaiser Permanente and the NBA will donate $10,000 to the Orlando Community and Youth Trust, and recognize him on the court during Friday's Magic home game against the Toronto Raptors.

Harris earned the Rich and Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award in 2014 and shared the honor with Victor Oladipo in 2015. In addition, the Pro Basketball Writers Association has named Harris one of the six finalists for the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, given annually to the player, coach, or trainer who exhibits ""outstanding service and dedication to the community over the previous year."