Local Dream League a slam dunk

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, May 9, 2005 | by Tomio Geron, CORRESPONDENT

Twu, a UC Berkeley graduate, worked as a management consultant before opening his own angel investment fund during the dot-com boom. Twu wants to use those business skills to benefit under- privileged youth.

He has hired five high school students through San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's youth program. The students do everything from score keeping to data entry.

"All of those skills can be translated into the step-by-step skills as an entry level person at Oracle or other companies," he says.

James Love, 18, who compiles the player stats, says working for the league has been a great move for him. "It keeps me out of trouble," says Love, a tall African American with an easy smile. "It's made me a better person as far as working and responsibility."

Twu wants to expand this community connection into an after- school program for students. He said he believes students not interested in school can learn and gain skills working with the league.

Meanwhile, in Twu's game in Oakland, his team stays close with the Heads, a mostly Filipino team wearing sharp NBA-style yellow uniforms with black pinstripes.

They dart across the floor, quickly moving the ball around. While there are not as many tall players in this Asian league, the pace is much faster -- and sometimes more athletic -- than other open leagues.

A young player on the Heads dribbles the ball up the court, then without looking tosses the ball up toward the rim. His teammate glides up into the air and easily tips the ball into the basket.

Twu, on the other end of the court, watches the play in admiration. He smiles and runs back up the court. His team would lose the game, but for Twu and many others in the league, just playing the game is enough.

For more information visit www.dreamleague.org.