Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0711

HR0711 LRB104 21035 RMO 34965 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Matt Tumbleson on his professional accomplishments and exceptional leadership in the National Basketball Association; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson was raised in the Village of Buda in Bureau County, where he learned the values of hard work, humility, and community that have guided him throughout his life and career; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson attended Bureau Valley High School, where he distinguished himself as a student and emerging leader and his early interest in athletics and communications began to develop; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson attended Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Political Science and gaining hands-on experience through student media organizations that prepared him for a career in professional sports communications; and

WHEREAS, Following his graduation, Matt Tumbleson embarked on a distinguished career in the National Basketball Association (NBA), holding communications and media relations positions with the San Antonio Spurs, New Jersey Nets, and Memphis Grizzlies, where he earned respect for his professionalism and strategic insight; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson joined the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011, where he rose to the position of Vice President of Basketball Communications, overseeing media relations, public engagement, and organizational storytelling for one of the NBA's most respected franchises; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson played a pivotal role in the public relations and communications efforts surrounding the 2024-2025 NBA season, including the successful campaign that culminated in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being named the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2025, highlighting Matt's leadership and expertise at the highest level of professional sports; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson has remained deeply committed to giving back to Illinois, maintaining strong ties to Bureau Valley High School and Illinois State University, where he regularly supports students through mentorship, professional guidance, internships, and engagement with the University's recently launched sports communications program; and

WHEREAS, Through these efforts, Matt Tumbleson has helped inspire and prepare the next generation of Illinois students for careers in communications, media, and professional athletics; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson is also known for his dedication to family and is a loving husband and devoted father who exemplifies the values of integrity and balance in both his personal and professional life; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson is the proud son of Linda and Dan Tumbleson, who continue to reside in Bureau County and whose ongoing connection to the community reflects the enduring roots of the Tumbleson family in the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Matt Tumbleson's achievements stand as a testament to the opportunities afforded by Illinois communities and institutions and to the impact that committed and talented individuals can have on a national and international stage; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Matt Tumbleson on his outstanding professional accomplishments, commend his leadership in the National Basketball Association, and thank him for his continued service and contributions to his hometown, his alma mater, and the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Matt Tumbleson as an expression of our esteem and respect.