Founded in 1991, The No Books No Ball Basketball (NBNB) Program was

developed by Anthony (Tony) Richards, Sr., a Dorchester native who wanted to

provide boys and girls between the ages of six and seventeen, the opportunity

to learn the game of basketball along with important life-lessons on sportsman-

ship and academic achievement. For thirty-three years, NBNB has been

committed to increasing the high school graduation rate of children from

some of Boston’s toughest and underserved neighborhoods.

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Richards uses basketball to connect with young people about the importance

of education and strong study skills. He also encourages student athletes to strive for academic excellence and to use basketball as a pathway to private high schools, colleges, and universities in pursuit of the American dream. Hundreds of NBNB alumni have received athletic scholarships to elite programs that have later positioned them for competitive jobs within the workforce. The program proudly serves 1,000+ youth and families annually through our various programming.
 

Based in Roxbury, the No Books No Ball Basketball Program operates as a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The tax identification number is 57-1138250. The NBNB Basketball Program has over 33 years of experience teaching and mentoring young athletes from the City of Boston and surrounding communities. Since the inception of NBNB, the program has served boys and girls within three divisions: Pee Wee (6-9 years old); Junior (10-13 years old); and Youth (14-17 years old). Most of the students also play basketball for their respective schools.