Helping Hoops does not set out to create the next Michael or LeBron. Our mission is to instill strong, positive values at the community level through inclusion and participation. However, when we do see athletic talent come out of our programs and use basketball to access incredible opportunities, it is pretty cool!
We were recently joined by four special guests who all fit into this category: Deng Adel from Louisville University, Kuany Kuany from Chaminade University, Wally Elmour from New Mexico State, and Deng Kuany from Miles Community College. The four, who have all come out of Helping Hoops programs or have been involved with us in some form, spoke to participants of the Helping Hoops Future program about their experience and the work ethic and tenacity that have helped make them successful to this point. Helping Hoops Future consists of many young men from a migrant background who wish to follow in the footsteps of Deng, Kuany, Wally and Deng, and all in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to learn from their role models.
Louisville’s Deng Adel says “I basically started where all these kids started. Through the Helping Hoops program, Longhorns Basketball and a couple of other rep programs. The biggest thing was being consistent with what I do and surrounding yourself with the right people.”
Watch the full Deng Adel Interview here.
The four have also taken advantage of the opportunity to work out with Helping Hoops volunteer, Nick Garcia, who has been taking them through a training program at Fitness First QV to ensure they stay fit and ready to attack the new college season when it begins later this year.
We wish all four the best for their future athletic and academic endeavours, and thank them for giving back by inspiring our young people who hope to follow in their footsteps.
