Nick Collison, affectionately known as “Mr. Thunder” by the loyal fanbase, is taking his profound dedication to the Oklahoma City community to a new level. Fresh off celebrating the Thunder’s historic 2025 NBA Championship as a special assistant to General Manager Sam Presti, Collison today officially launched the “Mr. Thunder Youth Basketball Academy,” an ambitious initiative aimed at mentoring and developing the region’s burgeoning basketball talent.
The academy, headquartered at a state-of-the-art facility in south Oklahoma City, is set to open its doors to young athletes aged 8 to 18 next month. Collison, whose No. 4 jersey is retired by the Thunder, emphasized that the academy’s philosophy extends far beyond just on-court skills.
“This isn’t just about creating future NBA players,” Collison stated at a press conference held this morning. “While we absolutely want to foster high-level basketball talent, our primary goal is to cultivate well-rounded individuals. We want to teach discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and the importance of community. These are the values that defined my career and the values that have been instrumental in the Thunder’s success, including this recent championship.”
The “Mr. Thunder Youth Basketball Academy” will offer a comprehensive curriculum that includes expert coaching, strength and conditioning programs, and academic support. Collison has assembled a team of experienced coaches, many of whom have collegiate or professional playing backgrounds, to lead the various age groups and skill levels. A particular focus will be placed on fundamental development, a hallmark of Collison’s own successful 15-year NBA career, spent entirely with the Thunder franchise.
“The game has evolved, but the fundamentals remain the bedrock,” Collison explained. “We’ll be emphasizing proper shooting mechanics, defensive principles, court awareness, and decision-making – all the things that translate at every level of basketball.”
Beyond the court, the academy plans to integrate mentorship programs, bringing in current and former Thunder players, as well as local community leaders, to speak with the young athletes about life skills, education, and career pathways. This holistic approach reflects Collison’s long-standing reputation as a consummate professional and a selfless teammate, qualities that earned him the “Mr. Thunder” moniker.
The launch of the academy comes at an opportune moment for Oklahoma City basketball. The recent NBA Championship victory has ignited an even greater passion for the sport throughout the state. The Thunder organization has always been committed to youth development, and Collison’s new academy will complement existing initiatives, providing another vital avenue for local talent to thrive.
“We believe in investing in our future, and that includes investing in the next generation of athletes and leaders in Oklahoma,” said Sam Presti, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who was present at the launch. “Nick Collison embodies everything we stand for as an organization. His leadership, integrity, and dedication make him the ideal person to guide this academy. We’re incredibly proud to see him take on this impactful role.”
The “Mr. Thunder Youth Basketball Academy” will host its first series of tryouts and introductory camps in early July. Information regarding registration, scholarship opportunities, and specific program details is available on the academy’s newly launched website. With “Mr. Thunder” at the helm, the future of Oklahoma City basketball looks brighter than ever, both on and off the court.
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