Using sign language skills, Wolves' LaVine silently speaks volumes

In high school, young Timberwolves star Zach LaVine and a good friend took American Sign Language as a second-language elective, a choice that has led him regularly in his second NBA season to the Metro Deaf School in St. Paul.

"Everybody was taking Spanish and German or French or something like that," he said. "I wanted to do something different."

So he learned to speak with his hands, discovering both a different way to express himself and a community and culture unlike any he knew. From that introduction, he has developed a relationship with the St. Paul school that teaches 100 students from 35 different school districts across the metro area.

On Monday, LaVine arrived to cut the ribbon on a new kitchen space, a project five years in the making that sped toward its conclusion when LaVine donated $10,000 from his February slam-dunk winnings.

The remodeling added a dishwasher and cabinets, installed a hookup so an oven can be added later and relocated a sink and milk cooler with a door that previously couldn't completely open. It has all been repainted featuring logos for the Wolves, the Lynx and the school's team name and logo, the Cheetahs.

LaVine donated the money after he brought breakfast for students during his first visit last fall. He was told all the school's meals were catered because the building near the State Fairgrounds lacked a functional kitchen and a gathering space for children from age 3 through the 12th grade to eat and socialize.

"Lunch was my favorite part at school," he said. "Lunchtime and recess, that was a big part for me growing up. I think it's important for kids to have that."

LaVine now has been back to the school three times since then, kneeling to talk to the school's youngest students and standing tall to speak with the oldest ones impressed with the car he drives. He has played games and basketball with students of all ages, sent them off on their winter break with a celebration and set forth a reading initiative in which he promises to amaze with his dunks should they reach certain objectives.

"Kids are really excited about reading right now," said Susan Lane-Outlaw, the school's executive director.

They're also impressed with a two-time dunk contest winner they had only seen on a television or on YouTube before he arrived one day reaching out to do something he calls "something really cool" for a community often forgotten.

When he spoke to them, he spoke like they do, with his hands.

"Astonishment," Lane-Outlaw said. "It's not often you have a local All-Star who comes in and knows American Sign Language, who can interact and isn't scared to interact. Every time he comes, I see him do more."

LaVine admits he isn't as fluent as he was when he studied it in high school but said it's starting to come back to him.

"I don't think he'll be talking about algebra or trigonometry," Lane-Outlaw said, "but he can talk about your brother, your sister, your family, what you ate or what he did last weekend."

During a visit to China after last season, LaVine learned of the many differences between Chinese and American signing. Learning to communicate with his hands just one way is plenty for now, thank you.

"Man, it's totally different," he said about expressing himself without words. "You have to make sure you have your hand placements right, your signs, your numbers. You can't mix them up. And there are a lot of facial expressions, too. It's so different than speaking. Sometimes I'll still say it when I sign, too, so I can remember what I'm doing.

"Some of the kids are really good at it. They help me out."

It's an audience that is both appreciative and tough.

"I think he's working on it," smiling sixth-grade student Estrella Rayner signed through an interpreter when asked about LaVine's signing skills.