“Listen, listen,” Xavier Tillman told a gymnasium full of kids. “Make or miss, we’re going to cheer after this shot.”
The flock of elementary school students nodded in understanding — after all, it was the day’s esteemed guest who was making this directive, at the conclusion of a very memorable afternoon at The Salvation Army community center in the South End.
On Tuesday, the Celtics and Dunkin’ Donuts jointly unveiled a newly-renovated basketball court, which had long been a critical need for the center.
Xavier Tillman, attending his second community event in six weeks as a Celtic, was the life of the party all afternoon, participating in musical dribbling drills, teaching form shooting, dancing with kids, and helping to referee a slew of contests.