What This Story Is About
Former Tennessee basketball star and current Memphis Grizzlies’ guard Jahmai Mashack is back in Knoxville, teaming up with Second Harvest to fight food insecurities.
Why It Matters
Mashack, who is originally from California, considers Knoxville his second home and wants to come back and help a community that poured so much into him.
What Happens Next
Mashack is still playing basketball in the state of Tennessee as he is entering his second season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Former Tennessee Volunteer basketball star Jahmai Mashack is embarking on the next chapter of his career in the NBA, but his heart remains firmly rooted in East Tennessee.
Mashack returned to Knoxville to partner with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, roll up his sleeves, and work directly on the front lines of the battle against hunger.
#VFL and Memphis Grizzlies’ guard Jahmai Mashack is back teaming up with Second Harvest for the Knox County Food Distribution.
A lot of smiling faces this morning at Ladies of Charity as Mashack is back in Knoxville giving back to the community that poured so much into him. pic.twitter.com/N5jUu1saFx
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) August 29, 2026
“For me, it’s the people behind the scenes that really impacted why I wanted to come out here and be a part of what they have going on,” Mashack said. “I think it’s a different experience when you are in there passing it out to people… You’re seeing these smiles. I think it impacts you in a different way.”
For Mashack, community service isn’t a recent development. Raised in California, he remembers his parents taking him to Skid Row in Los Angeles to feed those in need.
Now, Knoxville has become his adopted home—a place that welcomed him as an athlete but allowed him to grow into a community leader.
“They brought me in to just play basketball, but the impact that I’m leaving off the court is so much bigger than the sport,” Mashack said. “I don’t see it as a transaction of just four years. I see it as a transaction of a lifetime.”
#VFL Jahmai Mashack is from California, but considers Knoxville another home.
He is teaming up with Second Harvest to help fight food insecurities.
“Honestly they brought me in to play basketball, but the impact that I am leaving off the court is so much bigger than the sport.” pic.twitter.com/OikiSEFmuZ
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) August 29, 2026
Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes more than 74,000 meals a day, providing a vital lifeline to communities across the region. It is that sheer scale and unconditional compassion that drew Mashack to the organization.
“Hunger doesn’t really have a face, but it can be somebody that’s your neighbor,” Mashack noted. “No matter who walks through the door, no matter who is in need of food or supplies, they do whatever they can to put that out there.”
Mashack, who spent the day learning about the organization’s farm-to-table processes, encouraged others—especially the younger generation—to get involved in any way they can.
“Give 1%,” Mashack advised. “Start off by giving 1%, and 1% can change somebody’s day. It can change somebody’s week. Giving is one of the best forms of kindness.”
Mashack is still playing basketball in the state of Tennessee as he gears up for his second season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Jahmai Mashack was in Knoxville, teaming up with Second Harvest to give back to the community.
He signed autographs, including a few pictures of ‘the shot.’ I asked if a lot of people bring that up when they meet him.
“College basketball is built on moments like that.” #VFL pic.twitter.com/JfbnxZ7NDt
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) August 29, 2026
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