Editor’s note: Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić unveils his foundation, emphasizing the growth of basketball. As a child, he had two havens - the outdoor basketball court behind his Ljubljana apartment and the arena as a ballboy. This wasn't just a job; it was a gateway to his beloved game. He'd sneak onto the floor whenever possible, driven by a simple desire to play.

Why Basketball is More Than a Game

For Luka Dončić, basketball is a source of joy that transcends borders. All things Mavs, from the latest news to schedules and stats, hold a special place in his heart. Basketball, whether played indoors or outdoors, in any country or city, is his "sanctuary" or "escape." He likes to call it his "peace place."Now, as a new father, he thinks about his daughter and young people worldwide. He worries that they don't have the same access to basketball and its joy. That's why he launched the Luka Dončić Foundation to create a positive youth sports culture globally.

First Big Project - "Inside Youth Basketball" Report

For their first significant project, they compiled the first-of-its-kind "Inside Youth Basketball" report, set to release on Saturday, World Basketball Day. This report consulted numerous experts, including players, coaches, and parents, to identify what's working well in the US and Europe. More importantly, it aimed to identify areas where improvement is needed.The report found that the pressure on kids to be perfect, treating games as a job or a highlight reel, is leading to high drop-out rates. Seven out of ten kids leave youth sports by age 13. This takes away the very things Dončić loves about basketball - friendship, teamwork, growth, and fun.

The "Total Hoops Approach"

To address this issue, they developed the "Total Hoops Approach." This approach advocates for coaches and parents to create more fulfilling and positive programs for kids. Under the guidance of a Youth Sports Leadership Council, which includes his personal mentors, heroes, and peers, they aim to make basketball accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Dirk Nowitzki, Stephen Curry, Sabrina Ionescu, Steve Nash, Tracy McGrady, Pau Gasol, Igor Kokoškov, and Bill Duffy have joined the council to support their efforts.

The Impact of Basketball on Luka Dončić

Basketball has given Luka Dončić more than he could have imagined. It filled him with big dreams in Slovenia and brought him to Spain as a teenager. Before turning 20, he landed in the US. But the joy he felt from the very beginning is what matters most. When he plays for the Mavericks today, he still gets that same feeling he had at 5. On the court, having fun, it feels like the ball is smiling back at him.He wants every young person to experience that same joy, regardless of the sport. Just step onto the court or field and know that they can have fun and be creative. This is his call to the worldwide basketball community - to come together, share knowledge, discuss new ideas, and protect the essence of basketball and all sports.Let's make basketball better than ever.