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Chris Herren was once on a collision course for basketball stardom. His story about what derailed his dreams and how to avoid similar pitfalls has inspired leagues of people throughout the country.

Last week, Herren spoke for nearly an hour to 3,100 students from grades 8 through 12 at Center Grove High School in Indiana. He will give over 250 speeches this year and has recently been in front of the NBA rookie class, FSU football, and Alabama football.

Herren tells the tale about how addicition took away his promising future, but also how his seven years of sobriety has helped him forge a new path. He began failing drug tests befor even starting his collegiate career and his problems persisted even though he found a way into the NBA.

Herren played seven professional seasons, mostly overseas, but the drug charges kept coming. He eventually went to rehab, got clean, and founded Hoop Dreams in 2009.

In addition to his public speeches, Hoop Dreams, mentors players on and off the court. His book, Basketball Junkie: A Memoir, was published in 2011.

ESPN produced a documentary about his rise and fall in 2011 as well called Unguarded. That film garnered two Emmy nominations.

To inquire about Chris Herren's speaking fee and appearance cost, contact the agents at Athlete Speakers by calling us at 800-916-6008 or by Starting Your Booking Request Now.

Chris Herren at the 2015 Peace of Mind Speaker Series:

Hoop Dreams Founder Chris Herren Speaks to Indiana High School Students

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