What do the University of Oregon, the New York Knicks and fondue have in Common? Fred Jones—that’s what. Saturday, March 8th, 75 UO graduates living in New York City stormed the gates of Madison Square Garden to cheer on their beloved Portland Trailblazers—and Fred Jones.

So why the Knicks and why the fondue? Thursday, prior to game night, Duck grads and Blazer fans gathered at New York City’s popular Dip Lounge and Fondue Bar to meet Duck Alum and New York Knicks Guard Fred Jones. The UO Alumni Association’s New York City Chapter President Carly Heims ’06 presented Jones a cash gift for the Freddy Jones Foundation—a Portland based foundation focusing on support for single-parent families through leadership programs, promoting higher education and reducing childhood obesity. That night, Fred Jones also became the latest member of the UO Alumni Association.

On Saturday night, fans were provided with a similar gift—a trailblazers 120-114 victory and 41 minutes of play time and 17 points by Jones. Jones, a 2002 first round draft pick was traded from the Portland Trailblazers to the New York Knicks in 2007. An Oregon High School Player of the Year for Sam Barlow High in Gresham, Jones later played for the Ducks and led the team to an Elite Eight showing with the help of teammates Luke Ridnour (Seattle Supersonics) and Luke Jackson (Miami Heat). Jones was also the 2004 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Champion.

For more information on the Freddy Jones Foundation, visit freddyjonesfoundation.org