Alfonzo McKinnie went from undrafted in 2015 to a standout role player for the two-time defending champions Golden State Warriors, who are now competing in their fifth straight NBA Finals. While Alfonzo has cemented his place among the world’s best, the challenges from his hometown of Chicago are always on his mind.

One of the biggest is seeing his best friend, Leevon Carter, serve a 15-year sentence for armed robbery. But they remain very close, even during the playoffs, calling each other and staying connected through basketball—and they have dreams of starting a foundation together one day to help disadvantaged youth.

Through an exclusive opportunity—granted by Alfonzo, Leevon and the Illinois Department of Corrections—CloseUp360 captured Alfonzo in Oakland and Leevon at the Danville Correctional Center to bring their friendship to life for the first time. Go inside their special bond for our NBA Finals "CU360 Special."