Gary Mills on Building Safe, Supportive Spaces for Student-Athletes
At this year’s Roots Picnic, we caught up with Gary Mills — founder and national executive director of Shoot Basketballs Not People (SBNP) — to learn how his organization is using basketball, mindfulness, and community support to change the lives of young people across Philadelphia and beyond.
SBNP works with students ages 8 to 16, offering a free program built around basketball training, yoga, meditation, and holistic development. Gary shared that SBNP’s mission is simple but powerful: use basketball as a vehicle to change and save lives.
How SBNP Got Started
Surprisingly, the organization wasn’t planned at all. Gary explained that SBNP began as nothing more than a t-shirt idea in 2010. By 2013, it became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit — and it has now reached more than 2,500 young people in Philadelphia, Columbus (OH), St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, and Akron (OH).
Gary attributes the growth to authentic community support and visibility. SBNP has even been recognized by the Philadelphia Eagles and the 76ers, earning features that helped the organization expand its reach.
A Program Rooted in Holistic Support
Basketball is just one piece of SBNP’s work. Gary emphasized the importance of mental health support, especially for today’s students who navigate constant online pressure.
SBNP partners with their yoga director to offer sessions built around a book called The Ancient Generation, which explores the negative impact of the internet and social media. Their yoga and meditation lessons focus on building confidence, managing stress, and helping students navigate the digital world safely.
He also made an important point for student-athletes: college coaches pay close attention to social media, body language, and character. What students post — and how they present themselves offline — matters more than they think.
Gary’s Journey from Philly to Virginia State University
Gary shared that he grew up playing basketball in Philadelphia and was ranked among the top five high school players in the state. He went on to attend Virginia State University, an HBCU he fell in love with during a college tour with his grandfather.
The transition from inner-city Philadelphia to a Southern HBCU was a big adjustment, but it shaped his life deeply. He majored in Communications, never expecting to run a nonprofit — but his passion for serving young people led him here.
When asked why he chose an HBCU, Gary highlighted the culture, community, and the importance of supporting historically Black colleges that continue to face funding challenges.
A Message to His Younger Self
If he could speak to his high school self, Gary would say:
“Less excuses, more adjustments.”
That phrase has become SBNP’s official tagline and a message he hopes students will carry with them as they navigate school, sports, and life.
Why the Roots Picnic Matters
Gary shared that what he loves most about events like the Roots Picnic is seeing Black people in a positive, joyful light — not the stereotypes shown in the media. To him, being from Philadelphia means strength, resilience, and community.
“If you can make it in Philly, you can make it anywhere.”
How to Join SBNP
SBNP is free and open to young people ages 8–16.
Sessions are held every Sunday from 12–2pm at Germantown Friends School.
Families interested in signing up can visit: joinsbnp.org
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