‘They’ve been kind to us’: Why OKC Thunder introduced NBA Draft picks at Clara Luper Center

Marilyn Luper Hildreth passionately stood in front of her mother’s picture.  

The picture — a small part of a compilation of quotes, photos and dates spanning two walls — resides inside the Clara Luper Center for Educational Services, named after Hildreth’s mother who was an OKC-area teacher and pioneer of the American civil rights movement.  

Tucked inside a nook of the building, used by Oklahoma City Public Schools for administrative work, is a documentation of Luper’s life, spanning across her civil rights and educational work.  

After being formally introduced to the media and family members in an adjacent room, a brief tour was given to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s four newest draft selections – Chet Holmgren, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams. Hildreth, who guided the tour, spoke intensely about her mother’s fight for equal rights in the 1960s and shared memories of what she remembers during that time.  

“It’s important we tell our story,” said Hildreth, wearing a custom Thunder jersey bearing her last name. 

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It gave the quartet of Thunder draftees a glimpse into that story. The players intently listened to the presentation, asked questions and even shared some laughs with Hildreth, who is a quick-witted tour guide.  

“I want them to understand from what we’ve come from,” Hildreth said. “Not only with the Thunder but everything in our community. I think we would have a better community if everyone knew more about each other and the roles they played to make this state great.” 

Using the building for the introductory press conference was a selection Thunder general manager Sam Presti made. Presti and Hildreth have been friends for years, serving on several different city committees together.  

Hildreth doesn’t recall exactly when she first met Presti, but vividly remembers him when the Thunder honored Luper before she died.  

“It seems like I’ve known him for 100 years,” Hildreth said.  

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Presti said: “She’s a good friend of mine and a good friend of the organization. I enjoy spending time with her and learning from her. She’s just a person that has great spirit, and her family is critically important to the development of our city.” 

Presti selects different locations for press conferences throughout the city, often looking for buildings with community ties. After Presti was in attendance for the Clara Luper Center’s unveiling in November, he opted to use it.  

The Thunder also recognized several school administrators and faculty members from around the area before introducing the new players.  

“They have been kind to us,” said Hildreth, referring to the Thunder’s commitment to the city and the Luper family.