Episode 11: Built From the Ground Up — Kenneth Sanders on Youth Basketball, Development & Community

What does it really take to build a youth basketball program that develops more than just basketball players?In Episode 11 of the REI Sports Network, Debrina Wright sits down with Kenneth Sanders, co-founder of East Valley Basketball, for a conversation about coaching, player development, community, and what youth basketball can—and should—look like.Kenneth shares his journey from getting started as a young coach to helping build East Valley Basketball into a community-centered program. The conversation explores why foundational skill development still matters, how youth sports changed after COVID, the importance of creating opportunities for beginners and girls, and why coaches have a responsibility to develop the person as much as the player.They also get into the growth of 3v3 basketball, parent engagement, mental health and sportsmanship, the challenges of finding facilities and building sustainable leagues, and how technology and modern training are changing the game.And because you can't put two basketball people together without eventually debating basketball, Debrina and Kenneth have a little fun with the legends, the GOAT conversation, and some rapid-fire basketball questions.This episode is for parents, coaches, athletes, program directors, and anyone who believes youth sports should be about development, opportunity, community, and preparing young people for more than the next game.Episode 11 | Built From the Ground UpFeaturing Kenneth Sanders, Co-Founder of East Valley Basketball🎙️ REI Sports Network — Where Sports, Education & Opportunity Meet.