Douglas Evans, 64, grew up in Evergreen, Alabama.  Played for Dillard University, graduated in 1966.  Has lived in Central City, New Orleans, since 1962.  Organized Benson Hoops Midnight Basketball League, organized in late ’90s when the city was under siege by youthful criminal activities. 

Here at the YMCA we utilize basketball as a tool. A tool for positive change in the lives of young men. Everyone can play the game of basketball, so utilizing that carrot getting young people into the gym and off the street is what we attempt to do. Our program is built on personal development. Kids have to go through drug screening and criminal background and make a pledge to remain free of criminal activities while engaged in the program. From the data we have compiled there has been a considerable impact on the lives of young people we deal with. The nature of basketball makes it easy to use as a tool to attract young people into the gym with the secondary motive of getting them on a different track.

Just this last season we had 12 young men come to the program who had finished high school and thought all was lost, but wound up getting into college, eight of them on full scholarships to continue their education!

A kid comes to the program and he has a record, he is out of compliance with his parole officer, but the game and the program have the ability to reconnect an individual with that institution, to help him rectify himself. It makes the program worth doing, and it all happens around the game of basketball. 

The Dryades YMCA was the first public facility to reopen in the city of New Orleans after Katrina.  Basketball is an American icon. Kids whether they can play or not, when a ball hits the floor they think they can play, it has that magic to draw kids to it, it’s not a hard sell. Coming back after the storm, the first facility to reopen, we provided the impetus to begin the redevelopment of our young athletes in the city. 

New Orleans is a world class sports city. Basketball has been a constant in the city. We have always had great programs. Pistol Pete, Marlbert Pradd, Bruce Seals, Avery Johnson, Aaron James, Slick Watts, some born in the city, some came into the city, but they all contributed to expanding the game in the city. 

There are things we do in life that ultimately we go back to, something that touches you in a way that is supportive and inspiring. The energy that the game generates extends beyond the court to the spectators and the community, a lot of communities are built around major athletic events. The understanding that if you are going to build a house, there are certain tools and elements you need to build that, starting with the foundation. That’s how I view basketball, because it so accessible and kids respond to it so openly. To take that ball and penetrate and help a young man better understand how he can solve conflicts, understand himself, how to manage his life and make better decisions. 

Interview by Will Steacy

All photos courtesy of -Wyatt Gallery
For more information on Converse, go to converse.com

For information on Converse's Open Gym, click here!