An NBA Champion for the Community
By Michelle Vasquez | Photography by David Teran
From shooting hoops on San Antonio’s southwest side to sharing a locker room with NBA legends, Devin Brown embodies what it means to focus on the end goal. He inspires others with his athletic talent, humility, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to his community. Despite his achievements, Brown remains grounded, channeling his discipline and love for the game into mentoring young athletes and giving back to the community he calls home.
Growing up in San Antonio, Brown had a strong family support system. He credits his father, who worked for the Sports & Recreation Department, for introducing him to the world of sports and emphasizing teamwork, personal competitiveness, and discipline. “When you’re on a team, it helps you out,” Brown says. “You know how to interact with different people because, guess what, not everybody’s the same.” His diligence and love for basketball led him to play college basketball at UTSA.
Knowing the odds were stacked against him in becoming a professional player, Brown prepared for a practical future. He was ready to interview for a job at H-E-B as an overnight stocker when a life-changing call invited him to join a three-month league where he became MVP. This unexpected success opened doors to the Washington Wizards’ summer league. After his final game, Spurs coach Mike Budenholzer recognized him as “that kid from UTSA” and invited him to work out with the Spurs.
As a devoted Spurs fan, Brown was elated. He showed up for practice in his modest Toyota Camry, parking far from the luxury cars. One day, as he walked to his car, Coach Gregg Popovich called out, praising his performance and casually offering him a spot on the Spurs team. “Pop just said that?” Brown recalls, still marveling at the moment. “That one moment changed my life and gave me a 10-year championship career.” Brown’s contributions to the team were cemented with two NBA championship titles in 2003 and 2005.
After retiring from the Spurs, Brown transitioned into a second career as an AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) coach, mentoring kids who come through his program. He views this work as his legacy. “I want everyone to know that I was the coach and the player that never backed down,” he says. “Others may be bigger, faster, and stronger, but nothing gets in the way of determination and preparation.”
In support of that goal, Brown’s program unites kids into one league to foster stronger competition and in so doing, stretching their capabilities.
Players learn essential skills like proper nutrition, practicing drills, and staying focused—all while keeping their academics strong. “Don’t ever let anybody tell you that you can’t do something,” he advises young athletes. “Grades first. Make sure your grades are there, and you’ll be able to do anything.” His program helps young athletes gain exposure, playing in front of college coaches and setting the stage for future success.
Brown’s dedication and sportsmanship have been recognized by the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame, which he considers a crowning moment alongside his championships. “It was a tremendous honor. It meant the world to me to have the Spurs in attendance watching me go in,” he says. “Being part of the Hall of Fame is a reflection of the journey, from high school basketball to playing with legends like Tim Duncan and David Robinson.”
Despite accolades, Brown remains humble—signing autographs, sharing his story, and coaching his players and kids in sports and life. “When you’re around guys like that every day, wedged between Tim Duncan and David Robinson in the locker room, you’re exposed to conversations and perspectives that shape you,” he reflects. “You learn how to see the game and life differently. It makes you better as a person.” Today, Devin Brown inspires others to dream big, work hard, and give back, cementing his place as the best guy to know.
