After he was drafted in June, Tyshawn Taylor, Hoboken native, had a choice of where to live. He was earning nearly a half million dollars from the Nets alone.

"When I got drafted to Brooklyn, after being in Kansas for four years, I didn’t think about living in New York or Brooklyn, Taylor said Saturday at a Hoboken Housing Authority event. "I thought, I’m going to come home."

Three months later, he returned to the public housing where he grew up to greet hundreds of kids returning to local schools. Each got an autograph, a backpack filled with school supplies and NBA Ballers Beat, courtesy of the NBA.

"I want to spread some cheer and inspiration to the neighborhood where I grew up," Taylor said. "Being a part of the Brooklyn Nets organization allows me to continue to be connected to this community, I am truly grateful for that."

On Saturday, the Housing Authority honored Taylor for his work with local youth. It was part of a celebration of Black History Month. Taylor is one several Nets who spoke about what Black History Month means to them.

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