- Rudy Gobert sent multiple pairs of size 20 basketball shoes and Timberwolves gear to 15-year-old Harrison Wiesneth.
- Harrison, a 6’10” high school player in Robbinsdale, had difficulty finding shoes that fit and received a pair earlier believed to be Gobert’s castoffs.
- Gobert responded to a direct Instagram message from Harrison’s mother and personally arranged the gift, which arrived before Christmas.
- A video of Harrison opening the box went viral, and both player and NBA star expressed gratitude.
H2: Timberwolves star answers a mother’s DM
Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, stepped in after 15-year-old Harrison Wiesneth struggled for months to find size 20 basketball shoes. Harrison — already 6’10” and playing varsity and junior varsity at Hiawatha Collegiate High School — relied on an earlier pair of size 20 shoes that eventually wore out.
Samantha Wiesneth, Harrison’s mother, said finding shoes that large was nearly impossible and expensive. She sent Gobert a direct message on Instagram asking for help.
“I thought, I’m just going to shoot my shot,” she said. Gobert replied within weeks and offered to help.
H3: The package and the viral moment
Just days before Christmas, a large package arrived. In the video widely shared online, Harrison pulls out multiple pairs of size 20 basketball shoes, Nike slides, Air Force Ones and Timberwolves gear. The clip has been viewed and shared tens of thousands of times.
Harrison told reporters the gift meant more than new sneakers — it allowed him to keep playing without pain after his worn shoes damaged the cushioning.
H4: Why the gesture matters
Gobert said he remembered his own struggles growing up with large feet and how another NBA player, Alexis Ajinça, once helped him. He called the opportunity to pay that forward “a little box” but one that made a big difference.
“Not too long ago, I was a kid with big feet… and not being able to find shoes that would fit me,” Gobert said. He chose shoes he thought Harrison could use on and off the court.
For Harrison and his family, the gift eased a practical burden and offered emotional support. “He’s the reason I’m able to have shoes to play,” Harrison said.
H5: Community response and next steps
The heartwarming exchange drew attention across social media and local outlets, highlighting how small acts by public figures can help young athletes. Coaches and community members who originally helped connect the Wiesneths to a pair of size 20 shoes said the support has made a clear impact on Harrison’s ability to practice and compete.
Gobert watched the viral clip and said it “made my day.” Harrison and his family say they’re grateful and that the shoes will let him play comfortably through the season.
Watch the viral clip: KARE11 and social posts show Harrison opening the gift and reacting to the shoes and Timberwolves gear.
This story underscores a simple reality: access to proper equipment can change a young athlete’s season — and sometimes a star’s small gesture can spark a big moment for a family and community.
Image Referance: https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/rudy-gobert-sends-size-20-shoes-to-a-15-year-old-basketball-player-who-needed-them/89-2d319c32-ab5c-4256-8c0e-507e7a4b1caa
