Founder & Lead Mentor
Calvin Natt
Former NBA All-Star · Denver Nuggets #33 · "The Pitbull"
Faith-based 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Baskets Against Caskets —
Shoot Hoops, NOT EACH OTHER
Helping young men build stronger futures through basketball, martial arts, mentorship, leadership, and faith.
Our Mission
We don't just talk about change. We build it — one young man at a time.
Baskets Against Caskets exists to redirect the lives of young men and boys away from violence and toward purpose, leadership, and excellence. Born out of love, loss, and an unshakeable commitment to our community — we give them the tools, mentorship, and life-changing opportunities to build a strong mind, body, and spirit.
"Every young man deserves a fighting chance at life."
Meet Our Founder
Calvin Natt
Founder & Executive Director
From the NBA to changing lives in the community.
Calvin Natt is a former NBA All-Star whose journey has always been defined by hard work, discipline, and a commitment to helping others. A standout at the University of Louisiana Monroe and an 11-year NBA veteran, he played for the New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers before building a successful business in Denver.
Today, Calvin brings that same dedication to Baskets Against Caskets, where he uses basketball, mentorship, leadership, and faith to help young people choose hope, purpose, and opportunity over violence.
His vision is simple: create safe spaces where young people can grow into confident leaders, strengthen their communities, and realize their full potential.
- NBA All-Star
- Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
- ULM Basketball Legend
- Denver Business Owner
- Founder & Executive Director, BAC
The Journey
A life measured in decades of service.
1976
Joined the University of Louisiana Monroe basketball program.
1980
Selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
1985
Named NBA All-Star.
11-Year NBA Career
New Jersey Nets · Portland Trail Blazers · Denver Nuggets · Indiana Pacers.
Business Owner
Founded and operated a successful business in Denver.
Today
Founded Baskets Against Caskets to invest in the next generation through basketball, mentorship, and community outreach.
“
If I’m going to do something, I’m going to do it 100 percent.
The Challenge
Too many futures ended before they began.
Youth violence isn't a headline in our neighborhoods. It's a name. A funeral. A family that will never be the same.
The young men we serve aren't broken — they're under-mentored, under-resourced, and under-loved by systems built for someone else. BAC steps into that gap.
500+
Youth Served
8
Programs
1
Mission
Programs
Eight ways we're changing the trajectory.
A holistic approach: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Every program stacks toward one outcome — a leader.
01
Basketball
Elite instruction that builds discipline, teamwork, and identity on and off the court.
02
Martial Arts
Focus, respect, and physical mastery. Confidence forged through repetition.
03
Mentorship
One-to-one guidance from men and women who've walked the road.
04
Leadership
Public speaking, decision making, and character formation for the next generation.
05
Literacy
Reading, writing, and study skills that open doors classrooms don't.
06
Mental Health
Counseling and safe spaces to process grief, trauma, and pressure.
07
Youth Camps
Immersive multi-day experiences that transform how young people see themselves.
08
Community Outreach
Showing up in schools, churches, and neighborhoods — where the need lives.
Mentorship
Discipline
LiteracyLeadership
The people carrying the mission.
Elite Fitness Mentor
Nicholas Natt
IFBB Pro Athlete · Health Coach · Speaker · Author
Program Advisor
Brenda Natt
Community leader and faith-rooted mentor to families · Literacy / Reading Specialist · Gifted Teacher for Over 20 Years
Assistant Director & Treasurer
Breca Natt
The Head of Daily Operations · Finance and youth advocacy.
Together We Lead
One team. One mission.
Behind every young life impacted is a team of dedicated leaders, mentors, coaches, and community advocates working together with one shared mission — to help young people choose purpose over violence and build stronger futures through mentorship, athletics, education, and faith.
Community Outreach
Leadership Team at a Community Outreach Event
Meeting families where they are — in the neighborhoods, gyms, and gathering spaces that shape our young people every day.
Mentorship in Motion
Mentoring Young Athletes and Building Leaders
On the court and beyond it, our coaches invest in discipline, character, and the quiet work of shaping the next generation.
The Legacy
Built on the Hardwood — Calvin Natt's #33 Denver Nuggets Jersey
The same number, the same discipline, the same fight. The lessons the game taught our founder are the lessons we pass on to every young man we mentor.
TEAM
“
Changing lives takes a team. Every coach, mentor, counselor, volunteer, and leader plays a role in helping our youth discover purpose, hope, and opportunity.
Baskets Against Caskets Leadership Team
Community Impact
A movement, not a moment.
From gym floors to sanctuaries to street corners — BAC has become a fixture in the neighborhoods that need it most. Our young men leave with more than skills. They leave with brotherhood.
500+
Youth Impacted
50+
Volunteer Mentors
100%
Faith-Driven
Take Action
How will you make an impact today?
There is more than one way to help create safer, stronger futures for young people. Explore the path that feels right for you.
01
See Your Impact
Explore how different levels of support can help provide mentorship, athletics, education, and community programming.
02
Discover Your Role
Answer a few short questions to find the best way for you to support the mission.
03
Read a Story of Hope
Follow an interactive story showing how mentorship, positive role models, and community support can change a young person's future.
Ways to Help
Every gift. Every hour. Every kid.
Donate
Every dollar funds a program, a camp, a mentor's time. Give once or monthly.
Support the mission
Venmo@BACnonprofitCash App$BasketsNoCasketsPayPalcnattbasketsagainstcaskets@gmail.com
Volunteer
Coach a drill. Read with a young man. Show up. Time is our most valuable resource.
Sponsor
Fund a camp, uniforms, or a full cohort. Corporate partnerships welcome.
Partner
Schools, churches, and civic groups — bring BAC to your community.
Register a Youth
Enroll a young person in our programs. All backgrounds welcome.
Gallery
Moments from the movement.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Is Baskets Against Caskets a registered nonprofit?+
Yes. BAC is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Who do your programs serve?+
Primarily young men and boys — but our community outreach, camps, and family programs touch teens, families, schools, and churches across the region.
Where does my donation go?+
Directly into programming: mentorship hours, camp scholarships, equipment, literacy resources, and mental health support for youth.
How do I get my child involved?+
Use the contact form below or reach out on Instagram or Facebook. We'll get you connected to the right program.
Do you accept volunteers with no coaching experience?+
Absolutely. Mentors, tutors, drivers, event help — every skill has a place here.
Contact
Let's talk.
Whether you want to donate, volunteer, sponsor, or register a young person — we want to hear from you.