Campers at Sierra High School locked in on Derrick White as he explained his method for playing defense in the NBA.

Nearly 100 kids focused as White held a microphone in his left hand while demonstrating with his right how to disrupt an opposing player from making a basket.

It’s one of many lessons White hoped to infuse in the first through eighth graders who attended the Derrick White Basketball Academy camp Saturday in conjunction with Hillside Connection.

As kids ventured from various drills that included defense, foot work, dribbling, shooting and passing, each had the chance to interact with the Boston Celtics star. The camp is vital for improving kids in the Southeast, but White said he enjoys moments like Saturday more than the children in attendance.

“Coming back to the Springs where it all started for me is special,” White said. “… Camps like this are a great way to play basketball and have fun or meet a new friend. You might learn a new technique you can take home and show your friends. It’s a great way to get out here and meet new people and have fun while doing it.”

White attended Legend High School in Parker before heading to the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs from 2012-15. He then transferred to the University of Colorado Boulder where he averaged 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists as a senior.

Now, the eight-year NBA veteran boasts an Olympic gold medal and an NBA championship. That’s not just a résumé White is proud to have, he believes his success allows others to recognize their capabilities.

“I’m from Colorado and they can see a kid from Colorado made it and say, ‘Why not me?’” White said. “I saw Chauncey (Billups) do it and I know it’s possible. Hopefully one of these kids sees me and what I’ve managed to accomplish and they’ll think it’s possible to reach their dreams, whatever that might be.”

Terrell Brown, Hillside Connection founder and president, said he’s grateful White offered time from his schedule to assist with the endeavor.

Throughout the years, Brown and Hillside Connection have hosted various camps for Southeast Colorado Springs kids and, in 2024, saw the culmination of the repaving of courts at Memorial Park. Brown said this camp, featuring White, is more than just basketball.

“It’s about instilling hope in the youth, families and the community we serve,” Brown said. “I have the utmost respect for Derrick White and Marcus Mason for following through with their word. The NBA accolades are impressive, but it’s Derrick’s character, humility and resilience that make him a true icon for future generations to look up to.”

By: Bill Beckner Jr.


Saturday, August 2, 2025 | 11:06 AM

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As players, Gianni Rizzo and Luke Levendosky left different marks on the Norwin football program.

Rizzo was a run-smothering linebacker and fleet-footed wide receiver, while Levendosky powered the offense as a pinpoint quarterback.

As coaches, they could have a lot to offer their alma mater.

Both were added to Mike Brown’s staff this season as offensive assistants.

Rizzo, who has been spotted at junior varsity basketball games around the WPIAL as a PIAA-certified referee, played college football at Duquesne and is about to embark on a pro career in Italy.

Levendosky played three years at Saint Vincent College but will not be on the Bearcats’ roster in 2025.

A speedster, Rizzo ran a leg of the Knights’ PIAA Class AAA winning 1,600-meter relay team in 2017. He went on to be a disruptive Division I linebacker after beginning his college career at Youngstown State.

In 34 career games at Duquesne, he made 141 tackles, 21.5 for loss. He was an All-Northeast Conference second team selection last season.

“I’m looking to bring fresh college experience to the team,” Rizzo said. “A young guy they can look up to and relate to. It’s good to have coaches like that. I’ll bring the kids to the field Saturdays and run 1-on-1s against them and stuff like that so they get good extra work, too.”

Rizzo, a production manager at JP Roofing, pursued professional playing opportunities and signed with the Lazio Marines of the Italian Football League and will head to training camp in January.

“What excites me most about coaching is being able to give back to the kids in Norwin,” Rizzo said. “It’s something I have always wanted to do and something that I had in high school when Alex Dennison came and coached us.

“At the time it was a youthful coach that I was able to look up to. Especially for the potential we have this year returning so many starters, getting the kids the best coaching is our main focus.”

Levendosky, a PAC Sportsmanship Team selection last year, played in 18 career games at the Division III level. He returned kicks and punts before seeing limited time at quarterback in 2024.

“I’m looking forward to bringing energy and helping to create a competitive atmosphere for our players,” he said. “It was evident in my first day that coach Mike (Broan) and our staff have a strong foundation already built into the program, and I’m really excited to help contribute to that environment in any way I can.”

Levendosky will graduate from Saint Vincent in December. He is a student teacher at Hempfield’s Wendover Middle School.

“I try to emphasize process and all the small things that result in bigger events, goals (etc.),” Levendosky said. “That is a big reason why I found a passion in education. In general, though, it is just cool to coach where I once played.”

Levendosky has two years of eligibility remaining but is not sure if he will use at least one. He endured a concussion last season, which played a part in his decision not to play this year.

“I am also interested in playing overseas because an old teammate of mine is playing in Poland and he loves it there so maybe down the line I’d look into it,” he said.

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Norwin