On this episode of Watts Up Wednesday, Washington Husky basketball legend Donald Watts joined host J.B. for a wide‑ranging and deeply meaningful conversation that went far beyond sports. From honoring Black History Month, to addressing youth gun violence, to mentoring young people in the digital age, the discussion reinforced a core belief of the Watts Foundation: real change happens through connection, intention, and community investment.
Black History Month: Action Over Symbolism
For Donald Watts and JB, Black History Month isn’t just about reflection—it’s about responsibility.
“Black history is only as relevant as we tie it to our past and to our future.”
Watts emphasized that honoring history means supporting the present—especially Black‑owned businesses and the families behind them.
“Behind every Black business, there’s a Black family… and supporting that Black family is also supporting Black children.”
He encouraged listeners to be intentional with where they spend their money, noting that economic support directly impacts opportunity and stability for the next generation.
“If you don’t know your history, you won’t know your greatness.”
Responding to Youth Gun Violence With Purpose and Presence
Following recent incidents of youth gun violence in the community, Watts spoke candidly about the urgency of proactive solutions—rooted in mentorship, accountability, and positive outlets.
One of those solutions is the return of the Fathers and Sons Together Basketball Empowerment Camp, coming back with renewed intention.
“We’re excited to be bringing that to the community—but bringing it in a time and with more purpose and more intention than ever.”
The camp is designed to help young people build healthy relationships, manage conflict, and see themselves as contributors to—not threats within—their community.
“To help young people understand how to overcome challenges and conflict without resulting to gun violence… and to be the type of people that uplift community and refuse to do harm to each other.”
Basketball, Watts explained, is simply the vehicle. The real goal is teaching respect, emotional awareness, and connection.
The Digital Age: Awareness, Not Judgment
A major portion of the conversation focused on how today’s youth are navigating an entirely different world than previous generations—one where constant digital access has reshaped attention, identity, and emotional development.
“This stuff is so consuming. There’s no filter… the TV that we used to run home to watch is now individual—and it’s in your pocket.”
Rather than criticizing young people, Watts stressed the importance of meeting them where they are and helping them build awareness.
“I try to reverse it and say, ‘You guys actually got it tougher than we had it. We didn’t have all these distractions.’”
He described how phones and social media can become what he calls “digital dope,” numbing motivation and masking potential.
“That dopamine hit is consistent—and it numbs them.”
But when young athletes step away from their screens and fully engage in their craft, something powerful happens.
“When the phone is removed, you see a joy… and some of the challenges they were having just disappear.”
Creating Real Moments That Replace the Scroll
Watts shared stories of athletes rediscovering confidence and purpose through real‑life experiences—moments no phone can replicate.
“Your phone can’t give you that. The work you’ve been putting in gives you that. The connection with your teammates in real life gives you that.”
He emphasized that adults must intentionally create environments where young people can experience achievement, belonging, and joy—because the fight today is for attention.
“This is an information warfare age… and the war is for their attention.”
Building the Future, Together
s the episode wrapped, Watts returned to the mission behind everything he does: investing in young people and providing them with tools to succeed on and off the court.
“Building confidence, building skills, building positive connections.”
Parents, mentors, and community members are encouraged to get involved by registering youth for upcoming camps or sponsoring an aspiring hooper.
Sponsor a child or support community programs by visiting thewattsfoundation.org
Register for our upcoming Spring camps and classes at wattsbasketball.com
Watts Up Sports Hour isn’t just a sports show—it’s a reminder that mentorship matters, presence matters, and community effort can change lives.