SALINAS, Calif.- At Central Coast News, we think its important to invest in our community. That's why we decided to find out how a community basketball academy is using its talents to inspire kids in this One Million Dollar Community Investment Story.
"Chasing excellence pursuant to integrity. Those are the kinds of things I try to teach the kids and so I think they get a kick out of seeing me act out what I teach," said youth basketball coach Hasan Houston.
Houston said this Sunday is a big day not only for him, but also for all the kids he coaches with Gil Basketball Academy and several other local groups. That's because he's trying out for for Santa Cruz Warriors as a point guard. Academy director Jose Gil said it's volunteers like Houston who make a difference.
"We're all about changing the lives of kids in our community and our mission is to have the kids reach their goals and try to accomplish them," Gil said.
Houston hopes by pursuing his dreams, that the kids he coaches will catch on and push themselves to do the same.
"I'm just really excited to go out there and give it a shot because I've chased a pro dream for a while. I played college ball, played semi-pro and got a chance to travel somewhat overseas," Houston said.
Houston said he wants kids to know there's always an opportunity to avoid a life of crime, something the academy preaches and hopes more kids will put into practice. If he makes the team, he knows the pride of that accomplishment is far reaching.
"This is something unique because it right here, you know it's right here at home where people know you, people love you and they're gonna wanna come out and support you," Houston said.
The second round of Santa Cruz Warrior Try outs are this Sunday at Aptos High School.
To learn more about the Gil Basketball Academy go to http://www.gilbasketballacademy.com/
