The echoes of bouncing basketballs filled the gym at the Tarrant County Juvenile Services facility Thursday — a gym that, until this week, hadn’t seen new paint or a fresh court in decades. For Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley, it wasn’t the court itself that mattered. It was what the new space represented for the teenagers now playing on it.

“This is bigger than basketball. This is life,” Dudley said. “A lot of times, people just need to see love, that people care about them. The best energy is positive energy. Sometimes, you don’t get a second chance. It happens all the time in this society. But we all have to try.”

The Mavericks and Mavs Foundation unveiled their 33rd refurbished court across North Texas, transforming a gym that had gone largely untouched since 1970. The effort included a full court resurfacing, new backboards, a fresh paint job, and a message of hope to roughly 25 teenagers in the juvenile system.

Dudley spoke directly to the group, drawing on a story close to home — his brother’s difficult path and eventual second chance.

“My brother, for one,” Dudley said. “I was the kid that didn’t get in trouble. He did. He got kicked out of school, kicked out of the military. And his second chance was to go back (to school) and become an air traffic controller. He’s successful now. But the road he was going down… it can destroy your life, or you can bounce back.”

That theme — the importance of resilience, self-examination and support — ran through the day’s event.

Katie Edwards, president of the Mavs Foundation, told the teens that the new court wasn’t just for play, but for building community.

“We hope this court gives them a place to feel safe, a place they can relax, have some fun, and see some joy,” Edwards said. “But also understand that the Dallas Mavericks and the Mavs Foundation care about them, see them, and want to contribute to their growth and send them on their way to greatness.”

“These kids especially have had a really rough go,” Edwards added. “And to be able to say, hey, these people care about me and care about where my journey goes — that’s what we hope to give them.”

Riley Shaw, director of Tarrant County Juvenile Services, stressed the importance of teamwork and community in helping the youth find new paths forward.

“Each of these children come from a home, and they’re going back to a home,” Shaw said. “We emphasize that we need each other to bring out the best in each other. We need everyone’s support to accomplish goals. That’s the essence of community.”

Throughout the day, Mavs Academy coaches led the teens through drills while reinforcing broader life lessons: there are no shortcuts in basketball or in life.

For Dudley, the parallels were obvious — and personal.

“Like anything in life, you got to have a team,” Dudley said. “I don’t care if it’s family, school, your teachers or principals, boss, coworkers. That’s the whole thing about sports, coming together for the greater good, something that’s bigger than yourself. And that’s what we’re trying to do with the second opportunity in life — trying to give them the best opportunity to succeed.”

For Dudley, participating in this dedication was more than a typical community appearance.

“I’ve done a lot of community events, but this is different,” Dudley said. “These are kids who may have made some poor decisions. They might need it more than others right now. It was an easy decision to be here.”

And while basketball served as the backdrop, the message extended far beyond the court’s painted lines.

“Everyone goes through tough times at different points in their life,” Dudley said. “For them, you got to start with your individual self, examine yourself. But it’s also listening to people. You’ve got to find that team, lean on that team. That’s what gives you the chance to turn things around.”

For Shaw, the Mavericks’ outreach was both surprising and welcome.

“When it first came up, I was absolutely floored and grateful,” Shaw said. “They’re not just the Dallas Mavericks. They’re in every community. I’ve been going to Mavs games since the late ‘80s. They’re my team, even though I live in Fort Worth.”

On this day, the Mavericks reminded a group of teens that no one’s journey is finished — and that sometimes, a new court can be a place where second chances begin.