NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Chris Herren will appear at Southern Connecticut State University's John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, February 5 for a free event that is open to all members of the university and local communities. Herren, a former collegiate and professional basketball player, will speak about his life experiences in a dynamic program that will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are required for the event and can be picked up in the SCSU Athletic Communications Office (room 210 in Moore Field House) or the Lyman Center box office. The event is sponsored by the Southern Connecticut State University Athletic Department, the Southern Connecticut State University Office of Student Affairs and the SCSU Drug and Alcohol Resource Center.

Herren has previously been profiled as part of the ESPN Films '30 for 30' series in a film titled 'Unguarded'. After a decorated scholastic career, the Fall River, Mass. native suited up collegiately for Boston College and Fresno State University before being selected in the second round of the 1999 NBA Draft. Herren played professionally with the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics, as well as in Turkey and China.

Along the way, Herren struggled with substance abuse for much of his basketball career. Drug-free and alcohol free for more than four years, he has refocused his life to put his sobriety and family above all else. Herren now speaks to groups around the country to share his story.

Herren's story has been profiled in publications including the Boston Globe and Providence Journal as well as Comcast Sports Net. His memoir, Basketball Junkie, written with Bill Reynolds was released in May, 2011.