GAME NEVER
STOPS
Unpacking the story behind Veniceball and how it empowers and unifies on and off the court
July 22, 2024Unpacking the story behind Veniceball and how it empowers and unifies on and off the court
July 22, 2024The Veniceball Basketball League is rooted in creating a home for ballers who are searching for a community. Together with his team, Nick has achieved this goal as he spreads his message and inspired across the United States and beyond. 🏀
The last time we had a CATchUp, you had just gotten back from from Mexico for the Build Courts, Not Walls initiative. Could you tell us about the impact and influence you have seen this project has had on communities at the border?
Nick: Projects like these are centered around transforming a space. These courts went from being untouched, to being a hub for people to hang out and ball. Its always great to see these courts come back to life. It starts with one person showing up to see what it is that we are doing and the next day they bring their friends. Next thing you know, people are participating and playing on the courts daily. To see how empowered these kids are and the sense of responsibility they feel through this project is so inspiring. The space has become a safe haven for many and it’s a real honor and blessing to see the seeds that we have planted really take form.
What has been the most rewarding part of this project for you?
Nick: To build these bridges from Venice to different communities like those in Tijuana and Indiana and empowering these smaller teams has been amazing. We have the chance to get basketball vets that went pro to act as mentors for people, whether they play for fun or want to take their game to the next level. I just love to create rooms and spaces where people can connect and grow. It’s a real gift to join forces with my team, to put together the perfect constellation of individuals and to see them connect and excel. I think that witnessing that synergy and getting to watch the people around me achieve their goals is my favorite part.
Is there any specific project or story that you feel has had the greatest impact, either on you or just on the project itself?
Nick: One person that comes to mind is Najee Carpenter, our bus driver during our time in Chicago. We hosted a basketball camp in Chicago and he came as a volunteer. He was full of joy and passion and watching him as he moved around the room was electrifying. I spoke with him and about his passions for ball, content creation and how he used to drive semi-trucks for a living. That’s when we got the idea to make him our bus driver for the events we did around Chicago. I’m not sure how many cross-country tours he has done, but he’s one of our main bus drivers now. His testimony just speaks to the energy we have around VBL. He does everything with so much love and he is truly such an important part of the family.
What was the inspiration behind the newest PUMA x VBL collab and how does it reflect the spirit of Veniceball?
Nick: Venice Beach has always been a safe haven for many hoopers, so the Venice Ball National Park idea is meant to reflect the vision of a kind of paradise. We are trying to keep the space clean and protected, just like a regular national park. This connection with nature is mirrored in the collection as well as the space we have created. Some of our players adopt an animal-like spirit that they unleash on the court, while court itself is their habitat. The navy blue in the shoes is meant to represent the Pacific Ocean, which is a huge part of Venice Beach’s identity. The orange within the shoe acts as a reminder of what is at the heart of the entire project, basketball, and a little touch of Venice Beach sunsets. We want to encourage mindfulness and sustainability with these pieces and are working on some new exciting things that will revolve around these ideas.
The current VBL basketball shoes include PUMA’s NITRO™ foam technology. Can you tell us about the performance benefits you have and how it enhances the playing experience, especially for streetball?
Nick: For one, they’re incredibly comfortable and second, I think they’re a lot more durable. Our guys have been playing in the shoes for multiple weeks now and they still look and feel strong, not to mention, they look great on the court. The mismatched colorway is unique, which makes the shoe even more special. We often say that when someone is really balling out, “it must be the shoes.” Overall, we have gotten a lot of positive feedback from our players, which has caused a positive chain reaction around PUMA in general within our community.
Do you have any exciting projects that are coming up?
Nick: Yes! We are putting together an all-star streetball team that is going to play in the biggest basketball tournament in the world, which is powered by PUMA. We are beyond excited about the opportunity. The dream for all of us unanimously was to go to the NBA and there are going to be around 70 ex and current NBA players participating. So, as a league with very humble beginnings, to be able to participate in such a large scale event is a true honor.
Never give up. It took us a long time to get to where we are but, our motto was “game never stops” and we really took that to heart. It's so important to enjoy the journey and take the scenic route. Do what it is that you want to do with intention.
