infosstation

Basketball

The Joy and Impact of Basketball: Luka Dončić's Foundation

2024-12-19

Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić holds a profound love for basketball, viewing it as a source of great joy and an escape. In an op-ed piece for USA TODAY, he expressed, "In English, you might call this my 'sanctuary' or 'escape.' I prefer to say basketball is my 'peace place.' Now, as a new father, I think about my daughter and young people worldwide and their access to basketball and joy. I am concerned that they don't. That's why I am proud to launch the Luka Dončić Foundation."

The Launch of the Foundation

The foundation officially kicks off on World Basketball Day. Luka Dončić, a native of Slovenia, will release the findings of a study the foundation commissioned on youth basketball in the United States and Europe's Balkan region. Among the findings is that "joy, creativity and exploration are being squeezed out of the game, and young athletes are leaving sports at an alarming rate, with 70% quitting by age 13," according to the foundation's "Inside Youth Basketball" report.

The Total Hoops Approach

The foundation has formed a leadership council consisting of Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers and current greats like Dirk Nowitzki, Steph Curry, Pau Gasol, Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady and Sabrina Ionescu; agent Bill Duffy; and coach Igor Kokoskov. The study includes a section titled "The Total Hoops Approach," a philosophy centered around development, fundamentals and enjoyment. "Basketball's greatest power isn't in creating champions but in developing character. Through this lens, every practice and game becomes an opportunity for growth that transcends the court. This approach creates environments where fundamentals are celebrated as much as standout plays, where mistakes are welcomed as opportunities, and where joy is as important as jump shots. In Total Hoops programs, coaches are mentors first and strategists second. Players learn every position, not just the one that fits their height. Development takes priority over winning, and long-term growth matters more than short-term success."The full report, available online on Saturday, has detailed solutions on how this approach looks in practice.

Partnerships and Call to Action

Dončić has pledged an initial investment of more than $2.5 million and has partnered with FIBA, Jordan Brand, Gatorade and the Basketball Federation of Slovenia. He wrote, "This is my call to the worldwide basketball community: Let's come together, share what we've learned, discuss new ideas and protect what makes basketball and all sports special."Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt.