Reflecting on Legacy: Donald Watts Shares Grief, Family, and Community Support on the Watts Up Sports Hour

by | Mar 16, 2026 | Uncategorized

The world of sports is filled with incredible highs—buzzer beaters, championships, underdog victories—but it also holds space for profound personal moments of growth, reflection, and loss. In a recent episode of the Watts Up Sports Hour, University of Washington Husky basketball legend Donald Watts opened up about the one-year anniversary of his father Slick Watts’ passing. What followed was an emotional, heartfelt conversation that highlighted the enduring power of family, legacy, and community.

Honoring the Anniversary: Family, Grief, and Growth

Donald Watts’ voice carried both strength and vulnerability as he reflected on this emotionally significant milestone. He recounted a powerful experience in Chicago, sitting down for brunch with his sister—an encounter that vividly brought back memories of their father. “You look so much like our dad right now. It’s crazy,” he shared, noting how sometimes, after losing loved ones, their presence seems to echo in those closest to us. 

His candid admission about the emotional ups and downs, sleepless nights, and the profound sense of loss served as a reminder that even public figures carry the weight of personal grief. Instead of hiding from it, Donald Watts chose to lean in: “I’m just being who I knew him to be and who he taught me to be… working through my own challenges… to help others fulfill their dreams.” 

The Power of Legacy and Community

One of the most touching moments in his reflection was Donald Watts expressing gratitude for his relationship with his late father. He acknowledged the privilege of having had Slick Watts as a constant figure in his life—a reality not everyone shares. More significantly, he regularly hears stories from others whose lives were changed, and even saved, by his father’s influence. These stories reinforce the standard he aims to uphold: using basketball as a vehicle to help people live better lives. 

A special way the Watts family continues Slick’s legacy is through his “Buy me, Save a Kid” slogan featuring “slick character” designed shirts, with all proceeds funding scholarships for young athletes. “Every dollar profit goes from our sales of our shirts to provide a scholarship to a kid, potentially giving them the guidance and leadership to save their life,” Donald Watts explained. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose reach extended far beyond the basketball court. 

Keeping Slick's Legacy Alive...

The conversation did not just stay with Watts’ individual experience of grief; it became a call to action for the entire community. Donald Watts encouraged everyone listening to “wrap those arms and give that love to somebody close to you,” particularly those missing structure or feeling detached in today’s social media-dominated world. By spreading intentional acts of support, the community can both honor his father’s legacy and address the quieter struggles many face every day. 

This episode of the Watts Up Sports Hour stood out for its honesty around grief, healing, and the unique ways legacies can be honored. For athletes, fans, families, and communities alike, it offered a model for processing loss—not as an end, but as an inspiration to lift others and carry on traditions of character, kindness, and commitment. 

As the Watts Foundation continues its mission to create life-changing experiences for Pacific Northwest youth, Donald Watts’ story serves as a powerful reminder: when we honor our loved ones through positive action and deep reflection, the impact of their legacy is limitless. 

If you’re interested in supporting aspiring young athletes or learning more about the foundation’s work, here are ways to show your support:​

  •  Sponsor a young athlete or donate a scholarship through the Watts Foundation. 
  •  Encourage a teen in your circle to apply for development programs at WattsBasketball.com
  •  Be intentional: identify one person this week to support time, encouragement, or mentorship.

Give love, build legacy, and help save a kid—on and off the court. 

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