ARTICLE CREDIT: Gary Bedore, The Kansas City Star

Former Kansas basketball forward Milt Newton and his wife, Shalaun, have established a fund to assist hurricane relief efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Newton, a starting forward on KU’s 1988 national title team and current assistant general manager of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks, was born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and served as co-captain of the U.S. Virgin Islands team in the 1987 Pan American Games.

The Virgin Islands and other areas in the Caribbean were devastated recently by Hurricane Irma and are also in the path of Hurricane Maria this week.

“Our friends and loved ones describe St. Thomas, once lush and beautiful, as having the appearance of a Third World country,” Milt and Shalaun Newton wrote in a request for donations at their Emerald Gems Foundation Website. You can reach that site here.

“While that may be true, the hearts of our people despite their dire situation, continue to be one of beauty and of strong resilience and courage. Emerald Gems Foundation, Inc. (Newton’s foundation) and the people of the US Virgin Islands will be most grateful for any donation you are able to make. Please donate today!” the Newtons added.

Former NBA great Tim Duncan also has set up a fund for relief efforts in Virgin Islands at the Web address https://www.youcaring.com/21usvirginislandrelieffund-942738

Newton, 52, was hired by the Milwaukee Bucks on Aug. 9. He has 13 years of NBA front-office experience, including three seasons as general manager of the Minnesota Timberwolves during 2013-16. He’s also worked for USA Basketball, the Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards and in the NBA office in New York.