We recently celebrated the tip-off to this year’s Hoops to Homework basketball season with a draft! Featuring music, dancing, a visit from legendary Bulls player Bob Love, and an NBA-style draft, we filled the rosters of four teams that will compete in the Noha Gym every Sunday this winter.

Hoops to Homework is a Mercy Home staple that not only instills the importance of academics in our kids, but also allows them to enjoy playing a sport together.

This year’s draft was emceed by the Vice President of the Academy Patrick Bittorf, who was impressed by the boys’ commitment to this year’s season.

“The commitment of our young men to better themselves and our community through Hoops was evidenced by many of them adjusting their pass to be with us on Saturday morning,” he said. “They will continue to show this commitment by being with us on Sunday afternoons for the regular season through March. I am humbled by their investment in themselves and the program.”

Fr. Scott was also on hand to address the boys. After recognizing the coworkers and other supporters who came to the draft, he had all the boys stand and assured them how much everyone in the room cared about them. “We’re here because we love you,” he told them.

Two of our young men presented flowers to Leslie Forman, Vice President of Chicago Bulls Charities, to show the Home’s appreciation for all the Bulls organization does throughout the year. Forman also had words of encouragement for our young men. She told them that it’s not about where they were today that counts, but where they are going.