WATTS BASKETBALL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
One Bounce. One Shot. One Child. One Meaningful Relationship at a Time.
we're here to help
At Watts Basketball, we believe every child deserves access to the life-changing benefits of sports, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
We understand that youth sports are becoming increasingly expensive. While opportunities continue to grow for some families, many young athletes are being left behind because of rising costs and limited access to quality programs, mentorship, and support.
Too often, the children who would benefit most from positive coaching, strong role models, and healthy community connections are the very ones who face the greatest barriers to participation.
That’s why we’re committed to creating opportunities for every child to grow, develop, and thrive through basketball.
more than basketball
For many kids, basketball is more than a game.
It’s a safe place.
It’s a positive outlet.
It’s a source of confidence.
It’s a community.
It’s a mentor who believes in them.
It’s a process that teaches discipline, resilience, accountability, and perseverance.
When young people are surrounded by caring adults, meaningful relationships, and a supportive community that invests in their growth, the impact extends far beyond the court.
Those experiences create foundations for lifelong success.
the watts legacy
Our scholarship program is built upon more than 50 years of service, leadership, and impact in the community.
The inspiration behind this mission comes from the life of the late Slick Watts.
Born in 1951 and raised in the Mississippi Delta during one of the most challenging periods in American history, Slick experienced firsthand the obstacles of poverty, racial inequality, and limited opportunity.
Basketball became the vehicle that transformed his life.
That transformation didn’t stop with him. Because of the opportunities basketball created, generations of the Watts family were able to pursue dreams and opportunities that would have otherwise been unimaginable.
The impact of basketball changed not only one life, but an entire family’s future.
As an NBA player, Slick was recognized for his extraordinary commitment to serving others:
NBA Citizen of the Year
Seattle’s Man of the Year
Seafair Grand Marshal
Community leader and advocate
After retiring from professional basketball, he dedicated more than four decades to education, mentorship, and serving young people throughout our region.
His legacy wasn’t built on statistics.
It was built on service. It was built on relationships. It was built on helping others reach their potential.
Today, Watts Basketball proudly carries that legacy forward.
continuing the Mission
The Watts Basketball Scholarship Program exists to provide opportunities for children and families who may not otherwise have access to high-quality sports experiences.
Scholarship support helps provide:
Elite Basketball Training
Age-appropriate skill development and coaching designed to help players reach their potential.
Positive Mentorship
Access to coaches and leaders who care about the development of the whole child, not just the athlete.
Character & Leadership Development
Lessons that teach discipline, accountability, resilience, confidence, and teamwork.
A Supportive Community
An environment where families, coaches, and players work together to help children grow into successful young people.
For Families
If financial circumstances have created barriers to participation, we encourage you to apply for scholarship assistance.
Our goal is simple:
No child should miss the opportunity to grow, learn, and belong because of financial limitations.
We are committed to helping families access programs that develop great players and even greater people.
Apply for Scholarship Assistance
for donors & community partners
When you support the Watts Basketball Scholarship Program, you’re investing in futures.
You’re helping provide mentorship, opportunity, structure, and community to young people who need it most.
Your support helps open doors that can impact a child for years, and even generations, to come.
Whether you’re an individual donor, family foundation, local business, or corporate partner, your contribution helps us continue a legacy of service that has transformed lives for more than five decades.
Become a Scholarship Sponsor. Change a Life.
Every scholarship creates an opportunity for a young athlete to experience the benefits of positive coaching, meaningful relationships, and a community that believes in them.
join us
Together, we can continue building brighter futures and stronger communities.
Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and belong.
Together, we can honor the legacy of Slick Watts by investing in the next generation.
Help Us Create Lasting Impact.
One Bounce. One Shot. One Child. One Meaningful Relationship at a Time.