SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026 Hawaii Parent 71 Building More Than Basketball Players For Coach Dwayne Lopez, the program is deeply personal. Long before he became a coach, Dwayne was known around the Nuuanu YMCA as a “Nuuanu Ball Boy.” The gym became a second home where he developed not only basketball skills, but also confidence, discipline, and lifelong friendships. Years later, he returned to help give today’s youth the same opportunity. Joining him is his son, Coach Trey Lopez, who grew up learning the game from his father and developed into a standout player known for his three-point shooting. Together, along with a dedicated team of volunteer coaches, they helped launch the clinic with a shared vision: use basketball to help young people build confidence and character both on and off the court. As the clinic has grown, so have the opportunities available to participants. The coaching team has incorporated Junior NBA skills training, giving players access to age-appropriate instruction while emphasizing teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship. The next step is the launch of a Junior NBA League, providing a natural progression for players who want to continue developing in a structured recreational environment. Coaching Every Child The clinic isn’t built around finding the best players. It’s built around helping every player improve. Some children arrive hoping to make their school basketball team. Others sim-
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