The Initiative, Powered by Disney, Includes a $5 Million Investment and Increases Access to Play for Young Athletes

ESPN and Disney Jr. Also Announce Collaboration with Every Kid Sports to Get Preschoolers in the Game

Today, ESPN’s new youth sports initiative Take Back Sports — created to expand access to sport for youth — launched its official website (www.TakeBackSports.org), debuted a new animated video, and announced the recipients of its inaugural Innovation Challenge grants. It was also announced that Take Back Sports and the ‘Disney Jr. Let’s Play!’ campaign have collaborated with national non-profit Every Kid Sports on a new preschool-focused initiative.

New Official Website
In partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), the launch of TakeBackSports.org offers a premier online destination for youth sports parents, caregivers and coaches with tips, resources and actionable strategies on how to improve the youth sports experience for their child and others. The site, which is curated by PCA, includes articles, checklists and additional resources that educate parents with topics such as “Ten Tips for First-Time Sports Parents/Caregivers,” “Am I That Sports Parent Assessment,” and an “Ask PCA” tool for adults to receive feedback on questions they have about youth sports.

Additionally, for the next month, ESPN will cover registration fees and provide free access to PCA’s Parent Online Courses. These interactive workshops provide specific tips and techniques for parents to use in talking with their children on game day, developing a productive coach relationship and becoming positive supporters in the stands.

New Animated Video
ESPN also is debuting an animated video created by ESPN Creative Studio in collaboration with Big Studios to further amplify the campaign’s message. The video includes the original song “They Just Wanna Play (Keep The Game Fun)” produced by As You Wish Music, which is intended to evoke ‘90s pop-punk nostalgia. Building on the momentum of earlier efforts, the video combines bold animation and compelling storytelling to highlight the importance of play, community and the transformative power of sports. This new creative aims to deepen audience engagement and spark meaningful conversations about how we can collectively improve the youth sports experience.

Innovation Challenge Grant Recipients
Building upon the $5 million charitable investment that ESPN has invested in to reimagine youth sports, ESPN announced the Take Back Sports Innovation Challenge at the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Summit. Through strategic investments in cutting-edge training models, inclusive programming and community-rooted solutions, the Innovation Challenge spotlights bold approaches that reimagine how kids engage with sports — fostering a more accessible and positive youth sports experience for all. ESPN doubled its original investment from $50,000 to $100,000 in response to more than 150 compelling applications from across the country. This year’s Take Back Sports Innovation Challenge recipients include:

• The Center for Healing and Justice through Sport (CHJS) received a grant for Collective, a first-of-its-kind digital credentialing platform that brings visibility, accountability and trust to youth sports coaching. Developed in partnership with RAIS3 Partners, Collective allows families and organizations to see who’s coaching their children, what training they’ve completed, and whether they’re equipped to foster safe, inclusive environments. With ESPN’s support, CHJS will onboard 2,500 coaches, parents and programs in Boston — making it the first fully “trackable” city for coach credentials — setting a new national standard for quality, transparency and equity in youth sports.
• City Parks Foundation’s impactful “Everyday Play” program delivers free, daily, multi-sport programming to underserved youth in New York City parks. By offering equitable access to tennis, soccer, track & field, golf, and more — along with trauma-informed coaching, career pathways for alumni, and extended summer play — CityParks is addressing systemic barriers to youth sports while keeping kids active, engaged, and supported where they live. This grant will directly fund operations at Kaiser Park in Brooklyn, serving children with high needs and helping sustain a proven, community-rooted model that prioritizes fun, health and opportunity for all.
• Lakeshore Foundation’s Super Sports Saturday pilot will bring inclusive, Paralympic-style sports to youth with physical disabilities in underserved areas of Alabama. As the only multi-adapted-sports organization in the state and a national Paralympic training hub, Lakeshore is uniquely equipped to deliver high-impact, free programming that blends fun, fitness and skill development. With ESPN’s support, the pilot will host five events in Montgomery, train local mentors and lay the foundation for a scalable model that creates access, independence and a culture of multi-sport play for youth with disabilities across the Southeast.
• Let Her Play has a proven, scalable model that connects young girls with collegiate female athletes to inspire sports participation and leadership. They uniquely address the gender gap through a groundbreaking “Playing the Long Game” initiative that empowers former athletes as fun-focused youth coaches and mentors to keep girls engaged longer in sports. Their data-driven, community-rooted approach tackles critical participation drop-off and creates lasting impact by fostering role models who reflect and motivate the next generation.
• Mudsock Youth Athletics received a grant for its commitment to keeping teens engaged in community-based sports by making play fun, inclusive, and youth-driven. Through its “Mudsock Way” initiative, the organization is training coaches and expanding its Youth Action Board to ensure teen voices are centered in shaping programs — using the grant to deepen that youth leadership model and reduce burnout and attrition in year two.
• The Official Leadership Network (OLN) uses a pioneering scalable, tech-driven solution to one of youth sports’ most urgent challenges: the critical shortage of trained officials — especially in underserved communities. Through a strategic partnership between UMPS CARE Charities, Sports Officials Care and RefReps, OLN is building a diverse pipeline of high school students trained not only in officiating fundamentals but also in life and leadership skills. With ESPN’s support, OLN will digitize its proven curriculum into engaging, multi-sport video modules — transforming officiating into a gateway for youth employment, confidence and long-term civic leadership.
• Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative (PYSC) earned a grant for its transformative Game On Philly! initiative, which places trained community coaches and AmeriCorps members directly into neighborhood recreation centers to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed sports programming. The program’s innovative partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation ensures scalable, sustainable recreation for youth ages 6–14 where they live, play and grow.
• Shriners Children’s Portland creates lifelong athletes by proactively addressing injury prevention, sport burnout and early specialization. Leveraging its expertise as a nationally recognized pediatric orthopedic hospital, the organization will lead educational workshops and hands-on injury prevention programming for coaches and parents across Portland, equipping key community stakeholders with tools, resources and expert-led guidance. With ESPN’s support, Shriners will launch this first-of-its-kind effort in the region, helping ensure young athletes stay healthy, engaged and active in sports for years to come.
• Volo Kids Foundation has an innovative, equity-centered approach to expanding youth sports access in under-resourced communities nationwide. By leveraging a unique partnership with its for-profit arm, Volo Sports, the organization activates a sustainable pipeline of trained volunteer coaches to lead free, multi-sport programming across eight cities. With a proven track record of engaging over 70,000 children and 15,000 volunteers, Volo Kids addresses both physical activity gaps and youth mental health challenges, while building character, confidence and community — making it a scalable and impactful model for reimagining accessible youth sports in America.
• Women’s Coaching Alliance is tackling two major issues in youth sports: the lack of female coaches and the shortage of available coaches overall. Through its “Coach Today, Lead For Life” program, WCA is expanding a proven model that trains and pays young women to become leaders and role models in their communities — helping more kids, especially girls, stay in the game while creating a more equitable and sustainable coaching pipeline.

Disney Jr. Collaboration
ESPN and Disney Jr. are encouraging preschoolers to get in the game through a new preschool-focused initiative with national non-profit Every Kid Sports which provides access to sports grants for families who are facing financial hardship. As part of ESPN’s Take Back Sports initiative and the ‘Disney Jr. Let’s Play!’ campaign, this groundbreaking collaboration marks the first time preschoolers will benefit from the grants that will be distributed through the Every Kid Sports Fall Sports Pass 2025 program and is part of Disney’s commitment to bringing happiness to kids, families and communities.

More About Take Back Sports
Introduced earlier this year at the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Summit — where ESPN serves on the 63X30 committee aimed at getting 63% of kids playing sports by 2030 — Take Back Sports addresses critical challenges in the youth sports landscape and focuses on three primary areas to drive change:

• Philanthropy and investing in youth sports organizations that are breaking down the barriers to play

• A national campaign focused on helping parents, coaches and caring adults make the youth sports system stronger 

• Purposeful storytelling on youth sports across ESPN platforms together with athletes and league partners

ESPN has committed $5 million to support organizations focused on removing barriers to youth sports participation in four key areas, including:

• Community recreational leagues where kids of all skill levels and backgrounds have a place to play. ESPN has made grants to Steph and Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Sports 4 Life program, Special Olympics Unified Sports, among other programs that provide access to sports.

   

• Quality coaching training where coaches become further developed in critical competencies to better help kids thrive. ESPN is teaming up with Positive Coaching Alliance and the National Parks and Rec Association as part of the Million Coaches Challenge to provide training to coaches throughout the country.

   

• Encouragement of multisport play in an effort to prevent injuries and burnout, ultimately helping kids develop into stronger athletes. ESPN has invested in multisport programs through Boys & Girls Clubs of America ALL STARS program, as well as 2-4-1 Sports.

   

• Promoting the fun in sports, which according to a study by the National Institute of Health, children cite ‘fun’ as the primary reason for participation in organized sport and its absence as the number one reason for youth sport attrition. ESPN is collaborating to better equip kids to have fun through support of mental wellness programming with Doc Wayne, including its sport-based therapy programs and trauma-informed education for coaches, as well as Athletes for Hope CHAMPS program.

ESPN’s Take Back Sports initiative is part of The Walt Disney Company’s ongoing work to inspire the next generation. For more than 100 years, Disney has been a source of happiness for kids and families, and the opportunity to make the fun of sport more accessible to youth is just one example of this ongoing commitment.

Only 38.3% of kids ages 6-12 played sports in 2023 on a regular basis, according to data from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association and the Aspen Institute’s State of Play 2024 report. And kids are quitting early, dropping out on average by age 11 (Project Play & Utah State University’s Families in Sports Lab). · This is why ESPN and The Walt Disney Company are working to make the youth sports system more accessible and fun so that kids across the country have the opportunity to play and keep playing.

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About ESPN Corporate Citizenship
ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplift the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use the power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.

Press Contact
Garrett Cowan | garrett.cowan@espn.com

Today marks the 53rd anniversary of Title IX, the landmark legislation that established protections against sex- and gender-based discrimination at schools and universities. 

The Trump administration has threatened to withhold millions of dollars in federal funding from universities and schools that allow transgender students to play sports, accusing them of violating Title IX – while at the same time, directing the Department of Education to pause existing Office of Civil Rights investigations and leave countless survivors of sexual violence without protection or support. 

Emma Grasso Levine, Senior Manager of Title IX Policy and Programs at the leading Title IX advocacy project Know Your IX (a survivor- and youth-led program of Advocates for Youth), issued the following statement:

“Today, as we celebrate Title IX and the activists who advocated for its passage, we must also grapple with its yet-unrealized promise to eradicate sex-based discrimination in schools. 

Title IX was always intended to establish equitable access to school spaces and educational opportunities for all students. Lately, political extremists have mischaracterized and weaponized the legacy of Title IX against transgender young people, wielding a piece of legislation meant to create safe and supportive schools against the very students who need its protection the most. 

On this anniversary, we continue the fight for a comprehensive Title IX for all students. Survivors of sexual violence, pregnant and parenting students, and LGBTQI+ students need elected officials to step up and fulfill Title IX’s promise of educational opportunity for all – and to stop using Title IX as a cudgel to keep universities in line with the President’s discriminatory agenda.”

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Advocates for Youth is a 501(c)3 organization that champions efforts that help young people make informed decisions about their reproductive and sexual health. Advocates for Youth boldly advocates for a more positive and realistic approach to adolescent sexual health, focusing its work on young people ages 14-24 in the U.S. and around the globe.

For Immediate Release: June 23, 2025

Contact: Eleanor Naiman, eleanor.naiman@advocatesforyouth.org

LAKE ELSINORE – The Handle Life Summer Academy, hosted at the Performance Achievement Community (PAC) in Lake Elsinore, has quickly become a premier destination for young basketball players aiming to elevate their game. Known for its rigorous training programs, professional-level instruction, and emphasis on holistic player improvement, the Academy is setting a new standard for youth sports development.

Basketball players of all ages and skill levels are finding a game-changing opportunity to grow, both on and off the court. Sessions are structured to help players master advanced skills in ball handling, shooting mechanics, and footwork while also addressing crucial elements such as strength, agility, and injury prevention. Participants also receive training in basketball IQ, decision-making, and confidence-building through interactive film study and game simulations.

“This isn’t just another basketball camp,” said the Academy director. “What we’ve created is a space where athletes are developed like professionals, preparing them for any challenge on the court. From technical drills to mental preparation, we take a 360-degree approach to player growth.”

One advantage of the Handle Life Summer Academy is its partnership with leading performance-focused brands like the PAC. With access to cutting-edge facilities and expert coaches, participants train in an environment that mirrors routines adopted by NBA athletes. For basketball players aiming to transition from junior varsity to varsity or from local leagues to travel ball, the Academy provides the tools needed to succeed.

Central to the program is its tailored and small-group training structure. Each athlete receives specific guidance based on their current skill level and goals. Sessions are strictly divided by experience and age group, ensuring everyone—from beginners in grade school to advanced varsity players—is challenged appropriately.

Jenny Martinez, a parent of an 8th-grade participant, praised the program’s balanced approach. “The quality of instruction is incredible. My son has not just improved his skills but gained so much confidence. What’s really unique here is how personal the feedback is. The coaches know every kid and are genuinely invested in their success.”

Another standout aspect of the Academy is the focus on instilling good habits and mental discipline. Young athletes are encouraged to bring a teachable attitude, maintain consistency in their attendance, and commit to pushing their limits. The results? Players leave the program with a clearer understanding of the work ethic required to thrive at higher levels of competition.

Realistic game repetitions also play a key role in training. Athletes are put into game scenarios where they make real-time decisions, helping them fine-tune their intuition and performance under pressure. Combining these strategies offers a well-rounded platform for players to excel.

Enrollment for the Handle Life Summer Academy is now open, and interested players are encouraged to sign up early or request an athlete assessment to determine the best fit for their child. The program’s timeline will run in two five-week sessions: the first from June 2 to July 3 and the second from July 7 to August 7. Training takes place Monday through Thursday, with sessions scheduled by grade level to ensure appropriate grouping and challenge. Athletes in grades 3 through 5 will train from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., grades 6 through 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and grades 9 through 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Tuition is $599 per month, and enrollment is limited to preserve the Academy’s focus on quality instruction and individualized attention.

“Our mission is simple,” said the management. “We want every athlete who trains here to leave more competitive, disciplined, and confident than they came.”

Aspiring players and their families can sign up now via Handle Life’s Summer Academy Website at www.trainatthepac.com/academy to secure their spot. With its unique focus on developing the complete athlete, this program has become a must-try opportunity for young basketball enthusiasts in Southern California.

Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Santa Barbara Community Rowing’s Jacie Dingman placed seventh in the U17 Single Scull Race at the USRowing Youth National Championships in Florida from June 12 to June 15.

Dingman, a 15-year-old Santa Ynez High student, made an impression in her first National Championships as a single against some of the best racers in the nation.

“There were 27 girls in this category, and we did some research and knew Jacie was going up against some girls who were in this category last year and did well, so we knew she was going up against some speed—especially girls from the southeast region who row year-round and have raced on this course before,” SBCR head coach Grace Barbara said.

“So, our goal was to make the top 16 in the time trials on Thursday and top four in the semis on Friday, which would put Jacie in the A finals on Sunday—both of which she did.  Jacie does super well doing head-to-head, which was evident in her semifinal on Friday.”

In the semifinals on Friday, Dingman clinched a spot in the finals thanks to an impressive sprint down the stretch to take second in the race by .02 seconds.

“I had a really good semifinal,” Dingman said. “I went in with the goal of making the finals and was able to execute my race plan and be very aggressive. Plus, I was able to time my final sprint well and start it early enough to make a difference.”

On the final day of competition, the Florida heat and humidity took a toll on all racers, with Dingman rounding out the weekend with a seventh-place finish.

“By Sunday, I wasn’t really feeling my best, and the wind was crazy,” Dingman said. “I got blown off the starting block and was hitting buoys for the first 250 meters before I was able to get straightened out, so I started pretty far behind.”

The showing was one to celebrate for SB Community Rowing and Dingman, who still has a bright future ahead of her on the water.

“This really is something to cheer about for our club and for Jacie, especially as she was the youngest girl in the race,” Barbara said. “Jacie is only 15 (she’s technically U16), but we raced her in the U17 group because she’s fast enough and she’ll be in this category next year, so it’s good practice.

“If she’s lucky enough to qualify again next year, there are obviously things we’ll work to improve, but we’ll also for sure be trying for a medal.”

Dingman will now participate in the USRowing Pathways Development Camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the Girls Elite Pairs Camp.

“Nationals is so much fun and such an incredible experience, and I have so much respect for everyone I met there,” Dingman said. “I’m also so grateful to everyone for making it happen – parents, Coach, my fellow rowers at SBCR, and I’m ready to come back and try to medal next year.”

SB Community Rowing is one of the only rowing organizations in Santa Barbara County, based at Cachuma Lake.

SBCR offers summer camps for youth ages 11+, as well as Learn to Row programs throughout the year for adults and kids.. For more information visit https://www.rowsbc.org/

Balance.

The maintenance of equilibrium. The management of contradicting forces and interacting properties. The harmony of tension and stillness, strength and surrender.

It’s the secret sauce of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

It’s at the core of his shifty drives — the change of direction, the sudden stops, the odd-angled stepbacks. It’s critical to his majestic midrange jumper, which often feels automatic. It’s foundational to his persona, the brand he has gradually developed over the years.

His persona is a balancing of the dichotomy at his core. His manner is reserved and composed. He’s always been the type to survey before proceeding. Internal with his processing. Calculated with his moves. Canadian youth basketball figures remember the calmness he displayed as a youth and his cerebral approach.

Simultaneously, and unmistakably, Gilgeous-Alexander owns a drive fit for a legend. Behind those scoping eyes and his Cheshire smile churns a quiet yearning for a greatness humble people aren’t supposed to fathom. An ambition that, for most, fades away with daydreams.

“As a kid, you dream,” he said. “Every kid dreams. But you don’t ever really know if it’s going to come true.”

No way this could’ve been expected. Gilgeous-Alexander finished high school ranked No. 35 in ESPN’s Top 100 for 2017. His cousin and high school teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker was No. 21 in a senior class topped by Marvin Bagley III and Michael Porter Jr. Gilgeous-Alexander was the ninth-ranked point guard on the list, behind Collin Sexton and Trae Young. Yet, SGA’s ambition gained strength without being fueled by hype. He nurtured these dueling natures into a stabilizing force, keeping him centered as he climbed.

And now — at the end of his seventh season, the first five of which were spent in relative anonymity — Gilgeous-Alexander arrives in the stratosphere he dared to dream. Some three weeks shy of his 27th birthday, the NBA MVP is now an NBA champion, having sealed the deal on the Oklahoma City Thunder’s historic season. He breached the clouds of ordinary greatness and ascended to scarcely occupied territory. The equipoise of SGA produced fruit.

He spent much of Sunday’s Game 7 against the Indiana Pacers trying to steady his breathing, suppress his nerves, conserve his energy and keep his teammates in the moment.

However, when his name was announced as the NBA Finals MVP, he finally let go. His teammates swarmed him, coaxing down his guard with their glee. Composure gave way to joy. The weight shifted from his shoulders to his hands, which gripped the 11-pound Bill Russell Trophy. With his gold signature Converse draped over his shoulder, Gilgeous-Alexander hoisted the finals MVP trophy above his head with both hands and a smile wider than his wingspan, ending his fast from a sense of accomplishment.

“This isn’t just a win for me,” he told the packed arena inside Paycom Center. “This is a win for my family. This is a win for my friends. This is a win for everybody that was in my corner growing up. This is a win for the fans, the best fans in the world.”

Arriving at this pinnacle from Hamilton, Ontario, required the juggling of many elements. Being the franchise star to finally deliver a championship to Oklahoma City, a region all too familiar with thunderous heartbreaks, demanded a masterclass of stewardship. With the Thunder’s overflowing contingent of young talent, including a pair of unproven co-stars, and a boy genius in coach Mark Daigneault wading into deep waters, Gilgeous-Alexander needed to coalesce it all, while also capitalizing on the superstardom calling.

With Oklahoma City’s season on the brink, when it faced becoming one of league history’s biggest disappointments, the balance of Gilgeous-Alexander saved the Thunder. He redistributed the weight onto himself. He was sturdy enough to keep them from falling.

“You just know that he won’t fold,” teammate Lu Dort said. “When the pressure’s high, you know he’s still there and ready to go. It sets a tone. When you see your best player like that, the other guys will just follow and (know) we’re in a good position. We’re good.”

He finished Game 7 with 29 points and 12 assists, five rebounds and two steals in OKC’s 103-91 victory. He ended the series averaging 30.3 points, making him the 18th player to average 30 or more in the NBA Finals. His 3,172 total points in 2024-25 — regular season and playoffs combined — is the ninth-most in a season and most since Michael Jordan had 3,207 in 1992-93. Only 13 players have scored 3,000 points in one single season.

Gilgeous-Alexander is now the 15th player in NBA history to win the MVP and an NBA championship in the same season—the first to do it since Stephen Curry in 2015.

He is the 11th player to win regular-season and finals MVP in the same season — the first to do it since LeBron James in 2013.

He is the fourth player to win a scoring title, regular-season MVP and finals MVP in the same season. The first to do so since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, and the first international player to achieve the feat.

And no doubt, the first who could don fur and stunna shades.

“Yeah, it’s hard to believe that I’m part of that group,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It’s hard to even fathom that I’m that type of basketball player sometimes.”

Balance.

The deliberate distribution of weight to remain upright. The choreography of opposing forces, aligning what pulls with what resists. Not simply avoiding a fall, but a constant negotiation between gravity’s pull and the will to stand.

“I swear, one time, his knee hit the ground,” Thunder forward Jaylin Williams said. “And he still stayed on his feet and hit the shot. His balance is crazy.”

Perhaps his signature shot of these NBA Finals came on a drive down the left side. When he got near the baseline, Gilegous-Alexander stepped toward the paint and pressed his right forearm into Aaron Nesmith’s chest, re-directing the momentum of the Pacers guard.

SGA’s lead foot was clipped as Nesmith fell backward, disrupting the plant on SGA’s stepback. He stumbled, crouching on his left foot as he turned his focus towards the basket. He maintained his peering eyes on the rim as the rest of his faculties worked to keep him upright. His one-two step into the shot looked almost clumsy, his toe dragging on the second step. It gave Andrew Nembhard the time to hustle over and help.

However, once SGA got both feet on the ground, he reclaimed his stability. He rose for the baseline jumper and buried it from 14 feet, over Nembhard.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s body control is nearly unrivaled in the NBA. (Kyle Terada / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

He gave OKC its first lead of the second half, and it would never trail again. He gave Indiana 15 points over the final 4 minutes, 38 seconds down the stretch of Game 4. He gave the basketball world something to chew on.

Is he this good? Does he belong in the same breath as the greats?

The accolades he accumulated this season alone are worthy of Hall of Fame credentials. His producing like this in the playoffs, in the finals, starts to reek of undeniable.

The Thunder are champions, though, because of his versatility. Winning requires flexibility. Gilgeous-Alexander, who said he first stepped on a basketball court at 6 with hopes of winning, has the arsenal for such elasticity. The great ones know how to employ their repertoire. Their feel is exceptional; their instincts are superior. They can sense the moments, understand what’s needed and adapt accordingly.

In Game 5, SGA bore the burden of delivering the Thunder. His read: His elite scoring was in order. Down four with 3:52 remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander ran off seven straight points to change the tenor of crunchtime.

On Sunday, the weight of Game 7 took its toll. He didn’t look as smooth. His shot didn’t fall with his trademark ease. Yet, his aggressiveness didn’t wane. He adjusted his approach, becoming a playmaker.

His 27 shots were the most since Game 1, but his attacks to score produced the desired effect by collapsing the defense. So he set up his teammates. Gilgeous-Alexander likes to drive and hold onto the ball as long as he can, through his deceleration and Euro steps, for as long as he can hang in the air, until the defense responds to him — then he dumps it off to a teammate like a belated gift.

The defining run came in the third quarter on Sunday, the score tied at 56. Gilgeous-Alexander faked a drive after a high ball screen and stepped back into a 3 before Pacers forward Pascal Siakam could do anything.

This is where SGA would start cooking. He knew Indiana thought the same thing, so he used it.

The next time down, he posted up Nembhard, SGA’s nemesis, for the entire series. He stepped back for his patented midrange jumper, hung in the air long enough for the help defender to come and then hit Chet Holmgren for an open 3.

The next time down, Gilgeous-Alexander went to work again. A crossover left got Nembhard to move, setting up SGA’s spin back to the middle. He glided toward the rim, having shed Nembhard, hanging in the air as he sized up the arc on his floater, buying time for Pacers center Myles Turner and Siakam to close in on him. It was all set up to create the open look for Jalen Williams, whose 3-pointer rattled in.

This 9-0 run wasn’t the takeover of Game 5, but it was engineered by SGA. A product of knowing when to dominate and when to lead. The duality of being the point guard and one of the best scorers in the league. The balance of SGA, knowing how to do both and when to be either. The face and the voice of Oklahoma City. Its might and its measure.

“At the end of the day,” Holmgren proclaimed, “that’s going to go down in history as one of the greatest seasons that’s ever been had by a player. It’s amazing to be a part of that, to witness somebody going through it, succeeding in so many different ways.

“He really makes it a joy to be around. It’s never about him. It’s always about us. It’s always about winning. His talent shines through all of that. We saw that all year. He’s a hell of a basketball player, but he’s an even better person. I’m proud to call him my teammate. Proud to call him my friend. I’m so happy that we were able to put a shiny cap on what he did this year.”

Balance.

The achievement of agreement between fluid elements. The force keeping chaos from spilling over. The invisible thread that connects motion and meaning, chaos with clarity.

It’s long been a strength of SGA. Perhaps no greater example exists than in the summer of 2016.

Gilgeous-Alexander received a prestigious invite: the CP3 Elite Point Guard Camp. Chris Paul annually invites a group of protégés to his basketball academy to learn from the Point Gawd himself. That June, 15 of the best point guards in college, and 21 from the high school ranks, were anointed with a coveted spot in the three-day camp. Prep stars Young and De’Aaron Fox joined the camp. Monte Morris and Dennis Smith Jr. highlighted the collegiate floor generals.

SGA wasn’t highly touted at the time. In November 2015, he committed to the first school to offer him a scholarship, the Florida Gators, as an under-the-radar recruit. He’d just finished his junior year at Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tenn., his first season in America. The exposure and experience at CP3’s camp were a big deal — a no-brainer for most.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander would have a breakthrough before heading to North Carolina. He took part in a six-day tryout for the Canadian Men’s National Team before his senior year of high school. Canada was preparing for a FIBA tournament to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics. In the practice facility of the Air Canada Centre, as the home of the Toronto Raptors was called then, he’d put himself on the map of his nation’s hoop scene.

“I remember one of the practices,” said Joe Raso, a highly regarded coach, international scout and unofficial historian of Canadian basketball. “(Kentucky coach John) Calipari was in the gym. Shai was giving Cory Joseph and Tyler Ennis fits. They were NBA guys, and he was a high school kid.”

Gilgeous-Alexander earned one of the 12 roster spots.

So he had a choice to make. Options to weigh. He could attend Chris Paul’s camp, where future All-Star Victor Oladipo helped teach, and some dozen NBA scouts attended. He left Canada to pursue high school basketball in the United States, seeking tougher competition. This was a prime opportunity to shine against proven talent.

Or, he could skip the splashy opportunity and hit the road almost immediately with the national team. A five-game exhibition tournament in Italy prepared the squad for the qualifying tournament in the Philippines. However, this option came with one caveat: the high schooler wouldn’t play much.

An early clash of his dichotomy. The push of clandestine development. The pull of a splashy opportunity for growth. Nearly a decade ago, at a pivotal juncture, Gilgeous-Alexander found himself measuring options.

He chose Canada.

“Because I was going to play with pros,” SGA said Sunday night.

He didn’t play a single minute in the Philippines. However, every day, before the team practice, he put in work. Away from the spotlight. With Steve Nash.

“I didn’t know much about Shai at all when he came to camp,” said Nash, who was general manager of Canada’s men’s national team at the time. “He was heading to Kentucky as a late commit. I knew within two practices that he was an NBA player because of his feel, pace and length.

“I had no idea the player he’d turn into. His work ethic and focus are outstanding, and he’s proof that you never know what’s possible unless you commit wholeheartedly with vision and go after it every day.”

He chose quiet work as his way to make noise. He captured clout by ignoring the covetousness it inspires.

SGA could always silence the noise so he could see the right path. It’s why he was a punctual and reliable student. It’s why in high school and college, he’d hit the gym hours before school. His coach, Dwayne Washington, became emotional when SGA requested access to the gym at 6 a.m., working before the work began. Some of his teammates at Kentucky, including Kevin Knox and Jarred Vanderbilt, tapped into the tradition.

Even when he entered the league, he worked in the shadows. Drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 11 in 2018, he spent his rookie season learning from veterans like Lou Williams, Patrick Beverley and Avery Bradley. He was traded to Oklahoma City and took a backseat to the bounty of picks the Clippers sent with him for Paul George.

When no one was paying attention, he bonded with Paul and learned even more than he’d missed three years earlier. When Oklahoma City won 46 games over two seasons during its rebuild, SGA was working on his jumper, improving his free-throw percentage and honing his midrange game. So when he dropped his first of three straight seasons averaging 30-plus points per game, he felt out of nowhere, but the whole time, he was grooming.

Curating his swag and sharpening his game. Finding his voice and developing his brand. Building his own family and leading his team. Stacking wins and appreciating moments.

Now he’s at the mountaintop after putting it all together.

“As far as face of the league,” Thunder wing Alex Caruso said, “… he’s got that capability. Clearly, the year he’s had — MVP, Western Conference finals MVP, finals MVP, champion — I don’t think anyone will question his ability. I think the thing that sets him apart is he’ll probably be hungry for more.

“He probably won’t be satisfied with winning this one time. He’ll want to be better. He’ll want to see how he can tweak and maneuver his game to a better fit and take advantage of the way people guard him. That’s just the special ability that he has mentally to be competitive and want to be great.”

This is just the beginning. The first championship isn’t the pinnacle, but the key to accessing another level. SGA will experience a new level of fame. The demands on his time will increase. The responsibility of stardom falls on his shoulders.

Oklahoma City is now on the map. More national games are coming — the prime slots and showcase games. As the NBA begins new partnerships with NBC and Amazon, Gilgeous-Alexander is now in a position to be a fresh face to promote.

With more opportunity comes greater expectations. With more exposure comes increased scrutiny. More demands on his time. More pressure to perform. More attacks on the chemistry and potency of the Thunder. The reward for his brilliance at managing everything is now even more to manage. Staying at the top demands even more of his special sauce.

Balance.

(Top photo: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images)

Tammi Bradley cut the ribbon to commemorate the Pack the Bin initiative which provides local youth with sports equipment. Members of Team Bradley Fund and the Marietta Community Foundation were there for support. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

DEVOLA — The Team Bradley Fund and the Marietta Community Foundation partnered with Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) to host a ceremony for the Pack the Bin event on Friday.

Pack the Bin is an initiative that seeks for families to donate their gently used sports equipment for local youth in need.

The event took place from 1-5 p.m. Friday at the Devola Soccer Complex. Members from the Marietta Community Foundation, Team Bradley Fund, and LPF were in attendance to celebrate the initiative.

“The easiest way to think about what Leveling the Playing Field does is we’re basically like a food bank but for sports equipment,” said LPF Program Director Eric Rutkowski. “We’re going out across the entire state of Ohio and collecting all the gently used or excess gear from all over the state.”

Pack the Bin supports families whose kids are in sports but they can’t afford the required equipment whether it’s a ball or racket or pair of shoes.

An image of Mark Bradley presented by his wife Tammi and their two daughters Emmie and Gabby. Mark grew up playing basketball, golf and baseball and pitched for Ohio University. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

“That has become a big barrier for a lot of kids who want to get involved in sports,” said Rutkowski.

Pack the Bin has donation bins all throughout central Ohio but this is the first hub outside of that area.

The Team Bradley Fund at Marietta Community Foundation was started by Tammi Bradley to honor the memory of her husband, Mark Bradley. He was a coach and community leader with a passion for sports.

“On behalf of Emmy, Gabby and I, we are excited and thankful to bring this to Marietta,” said Tammi. “Mark loved teams, he loved sports and he loved the youth and we just thank you for this partnership.”

Donations of sports equipment can be dropped off at the Devola Soccer Complex at 1350 River Road, Marietta, as well as all throughout central Ohio. Go to levelingtheplayingfield.org to search the donation bin locator and learn more about the initiative.

Leveling the Playing Field (LPF) partnered with the Team Bradley Fund and Marietta Community Foundation to promote sports equipment donation bins for local youth. (Photo by Amber Phipps)

Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com.