Mad for the Mavs

The seven-foot frame of NBA Dallas Maverick Dirk Nowitzki usually fills the courtside seats of the American Airlines Center on game night. Beside him, former Hoop Shoot participant Vince Carter and NBA free-throw record holder Jose Caladron. But if you were in the stands on October 25, you might have seen the smaller figures of two Hoop Shoot National Finalists looming large courtside.

Thanks to Texas Elks Hoop Shoot volunteers and Dallas Mavericks’ free-throw coach Gary Boren, 10-11 Boys National Finalist Quin Anderson and 10-11 Girls National Champion Nikyla Green had the opportunity to shoot free throws during halftime of a Mavericks’ pre-season game.

NBA All-Stars

It was a once-in-a lifetime experience for the finalists. With their families cheering in the stands, Nikyla and Quin warmed up on court before the game, were recognized as Mavs ballkids, shot free-throws during halftime, and received a signed basketball.

“I really enjoyed the experience,” says Quin. “I would definitely encourage kids to join the Hoop Shoot.”

New Hoop Shoot Fans

The game was not only a fantastic experience for the talented finalists, it was also an opportunity to introduce the Hoop Shoot to thousands of potential participants. Each fan received a flyer, and Hoop Shoot volunteers manned a booth in the lobby to hand out more information.

As Nikyla and Quin sank basket after basket to a captive audience, Regional Director Jud Good was on the mic explaining the program and how to get involved.

“I cannot put a value on the impact the game had on the program and Elkdom in Texas,” says Good.

Thousands of Mavericks fans now know about the Hoop Shoot, and two deserving finalists were NBA all-stars for the day. When the NBA and the Hoop Shoot team up, it’s a slam dunk for everyone!

Through the Elks National Hoop Shoot Free Throw Program, the Elks National Foundation teaches kids the values of hard work and good sportsmanship. In 2013-14, the ENF allocated $692,750 to fund this program. For more information on the Hoop Shoot, visit www.elks.org/hoopshoot.