Growing up, many of Larry Wilkins’ peers grew up without a father, and he had experienced the positive impact his father made in his own life by being present. His father also played an active part in a lot of his peers’ lives, which inspired Wilkins to do the same for other kids. By Kelsi Trinidad
Growing up, many of Larry Wilkins’ peers grew up without a father, and he had experienced the positive impact his father made in his own life by being present. His father also played an active part in a lot of his peers’ lives, which inspired Wilkins to do the same for other kids.
“He had an impact on my friends and had an impact on me as well,” said the founder of Just Play. “So, some of it is in my blood, just kind of in my DNA. I love kids, and then also, seeing my dad interact with kids and have an impact just kind of lends itself to me as well.”
Wilkins grew up playing basketball, competed in college and got his start coaching at basketball summer camps in Northern California. He coached camps at community centers throughout the region until one day, a center approached him with an offer to coach year-round. Wilkins was able to grow this opportunity into Just Play, and in just three years, his company was serving 22 locations across the region and had a staff of about 40 coaches.
In December 2022, Just Play established its first brick-and-mortar location in Houston, Texas. There, the company built out a membership program and created a foundation for hosting basketball classes, clinics, camps, leagues, private lessons and parties. After opening a second location and finding that its business model had legs, Just Play decided to franchise its model in 2024.
By providing various opportunities for a range of skill levels, including virtual dribbling stations, shooting cages and teams in a league, Just Play has become an accessible way for children in the community to learn the fundamentals of basketball or build on their skills.
“I think we’re in a unique position where we can impact the kids in the community and still make it a business,” said Wilkins. “The service that we provide has a positive impact on the community and the youth, and for the sports enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to make a career out of that.”
Kelsi Trinidad