“I have learned that, in English, you might describe this as my ‘sanctuary’ or my ‘escape.’ The way I like to say it is that basketball is my ‘peace place,’ ” Dončić wrote in an op-ed piece for USA TODAY. “And now, as a new father, I think a lot about my daughter and young people around the world and the opportunities they have. Do they have the same access to basketball – to joy – that I had?
“I am worried that they don’t.
“That’s why I am proud to launch the Luka Dončić Foundation.”
The foundation officially launches Saturday on World Basketball Day, and with that launch, 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: “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 American Academy of Pediatrics,” the foundation’s “Inside Youth Basketball” report said.
The foundation will “focus on ensuring that youth sports are a joyful, enriching force in the lives of kids around the world.”
Said Dončić: “Sports should be a place where kids can safely learn, grow, laugh, make mistakes and ultimately just have fun.”
The foundation has formed a leadership council consisting of Naismith Basketball Hall of Famers and current greats to help accomplish its goals: 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 rooted in development, fundamentals and enjoyment.
“Basketball’s greatest power isn’t in creating champions, but in developing character,” the study says. “Through this lens, every practice, every game becomes an opportunity for growth that transcends the court. This approach creates environments where fundamentals are celebrated like 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, 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, which will be available online Saturday, has detailed solutions on what that looks like in practice.
Dončić, who has pledged an initial investment of more than $2.5 million, has partnered with FIBA, Jordan Brand, Gatorade and the Basketball Federation of Slovenia.
“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,” Dončić wrote.
Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt
