Our grandfather, William Austin, had an enduring love for basketball, a passion that became a cornerstone of our family's history. His story of missing a critical scouting opportunity one pivotal evening is one we grew up hearing repeatedly—a story that stayed with him and, by extension, with us. That missed opportunity was a moment of lingering regret, a question mark in his life about what might have been.

Despite eventually becoming a preacher, Granddad never fully let go of his love for the game. He often integrated his basketball story into his sermons, a tale of missed chances that resonated with his congregation. "I missed the scout that night," he would say during a Friday night service, a reminder of how deeply the game was woven into his life.

One of our most cherished memories is of our grandfather constructing a large basketball hoop in his backyard. This wasn't just any hoop—it was an oversized structure that drew curiosity from neighbors and family alike. But to Granddad, it wasn’t about the size; it was about the joy and connection it brought. He loved shooting hoops, and nothing lit up his face more than watching us try to make a basket in that oversized rim.

Standing at 6'4", William Austin was as tall and lanky as they come, with a fierce competitive streak, especially when it came to free throws. "If you miss the free throw, you've thrown the game away," he would say, a belief he held deeply. To him, a missed free throw was more than a mistake—it was a missed opportunity, something he couldn’t easily overlook.

Although that scout never saw him play, we believe Granddad found fulfillment in his life. He loved the purity of the game, the teamwork, and the thrill of winning through hard work and skill. These were the values he cherished, and they became a source of pride for him—a pride that he passed down to us.

Inspired by his passion and the principles he held dear, we have established basketball tournaments like the SummerSlam 3v3 Basketball Tournament. These events are more than just competitions; they are vibrant community celebrations that underscore the importance of sports as a tool for stress management and mental wellness among young adults.

Through these tournaments, we aim to empower our youth, foster a strong community spirit, and raise awareness about mental health. Each event serves as a tribute to Granddad's legacy, a testament to his belief in the power of basketball to build character, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

The SummerSlam 3v3 Basketball Tournament, along with future tournaments, stands as a living tribute to our grandfather’s enduring love for the game and his commitment to making a positive impact. Together, we continue his mission, ensuring that our youth not only develop their athletic skills but also build the mental and emotional resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges.

Continue to support us in honoring William Austin’s legacy and empowering our youth through the transformative power of basketball.

Stay updated on our tournaments at hoops.theaustinfoundation.org