Sports

Stevens, Rivers team up for Hoop Dreams

BOSTON — Former Celtics head coach Doc Rivers and current head coach Brad Stevens teamed up again to raise at the 7th Annual Hoop Dreams to benefit Boston ABCD.

This year Hoop Dreams benefits WorkSMART – giving inner city teens a support system that keeps them in school and provides paid work experience.

Tom Leyden was at TD Garden for Wednesday's event and spoke with both coaches about their commitment to the cause.

"It's a great thing," said Rivers. "It's a great group. ABCD does a lot of work. For me, the fact that Brad does this - one thing when I left, I made one call to Brad. I think he thought I was going to tell him who to play, and no. I said, 'I need you to do one thing. I need you to take a hold of this thing,' and he's done it and so I really appreciate it." 

"I think the first year it may have been in the middle of our season," said Stevens. "They moved it to December. I actually talked with Bob Elias prior to that and Doc called and said, 'Now would be a good year to do it because I'm on the west coast and I'm not going to be able to be there,' and so I came and I've been here ever since. It's an enjoyable night. It's fun to be here. It's obviously for a great cause.

"It's fun to spend a night with Doc, too, and just share stories and both get ready for 19 new players on our teams collectively."