In fact, soon after the 6' 8" athlete found his way to the court, he would become an NCAA champion, leading the Florida Gators to victory in 2000. As Donnell put it, “When I started playing basketball, I was just out there enjoying the sport. At some point, though, I saw that I was good at it.”

Want to know more about Aniya's dad as she shoots her shot in the Villa? Here's what to know about Donnell Harvey.

Who Is Donnell Harvey?

Donnell Harvey is a retired NBA player who entered the league in 2000 after being drafted as a first-round pick by the New York Knicks. Donnell was then traded to play for the Dallas Mavericks for his first season. As Aniya shared on Love Island USA, Donnell went on to hoop for many teams throughout his career, including the Denver Nuggets, the Orlando Magic, the Phoenix Suns and the New Jersey Nets until 2005.

Following his successful career in the U.S., Donnell took the opportunity to play basketball abroad. When speaking of his international experience from China to Turkey to Greece, Donnell told The Albany Herald in 2022, "I’ve been fortunate enough to travel with teams to Europe and Asia and see different parts of the world."

Since retiring from professional sports, Donnell has launched a non-profit to help kids in need achieve their dreams.

What Is Donnell Harvey's charity?

Donnell runs the Reconstructing Youth Foundation, which helps provide resources for youth communities across America. Donnell explained to the Albany Herald that his organization's mission is to help kids who come from humble beginnings like himself "see there is a big world out there and help them learn how to succeed in that big world—things like teaching them how to write a check and things they don’t understand."

For Donnell, this charity is his chance to pay it forward by making a difference for kids across the country.

"Sometimes all it takes is to get someone to notice you," the 45-year-old said. "It is important that parents give their children the opportunities to be noticed.”

Who Is Donnell Harvey's wife?

Donnell legally married Aniya's mom, Natischa Harvey, in 2001, though the couple didn't have their official wedding celebration until 2013 due to Donnell's busy schedule with basketball, according to Ebony.

Natischa is a shoe designer who created the shoe brand Fever thanks to her lifelong love for fashion.

"I have always been fascinated with materials, textiles and colors," Natischa recounted to the In Her Shoes blog in 2010. "As a young girl I always had a sneaker fetish which then turned into stilettos as I continued to age. I think my talent, coupled with faith and determination launched the Fever brand."

Who are Donnell Harvey's children Besides Aniya Harvey?

In addition to Aniya, 23, Donnell and Natischa share Asia, 19, who currently plays volleyball at the University of Miami, Angel, who recently committed to the University of Mount Olive to play flag football, and Ava, the youngest. 

And they are more than a little close-knit. 

"If I had another 100 lives, I would choose to be apart of my family EVERY single time," Aniya emphasized on Instagram in 2022. "I am blessed- they make my life truly special and exciting everyday."

For a closer look at the rest of the season eight Islanders, read on...