44 Hoops Foundation

Founded in 2014, during his NBA career, to serve the city that raised him. Jersey #44. Mississauga born.

Est. 2014 · Mississauga, ON · 4,400+ Youth Impacted

Andrew Nicholson with youth at a 44 Hoops basketball camp

4,400+ Youth impacted
20+ Schools served
$25K+ Scholarships awarded

Origin

"A physics degree. An NBA draft pick. And the first thing he builds when he gets there, is a way back."

Before the businesses, there was the foundation. Andrew Nicholson was still playing in the NBA when he started 44 Hoops in 2014, his jersey number, his hometown, his name on the door.

A Mississauga kid who made the league didn't disappear into it. He turned around. 44 Hoops is the venture that makes everything else make sense, proof that the platform was always meant to be pointed back at the community.

2014 Year founded

Foundation timeline

The Journey

From the hardwood to the community, every milestone shaped what 44 Hoops stands for today.

2012 NBA Draft, 19th Overall
Selected by the Orlando Magic. The platform that would fund everything else begins here.
2014 44 Hoops Founded
First camps launched in the GTA while Andrew was still in the NBA.
2017 School Partnerships
Expanded into 20+ schools across the Greater Toronto Area.
2020 Jr. NBA & NBPA
Official backing from the league and the Players Association.
2022 $25K in Scholarships
Milestone crossed in total awards to student-athletes across the GTA.
2024 Books & Buckets
New program launched bridging academic support with athletic development.

The 4 Fours

His operating
philosophy

Four pillars built into every program, every camp, every scholarship. Not a mission statement, a way of moving through the world.

Educational
Wellness
Education is the foundation of opportunity. We support youth beyond the classroom by building confidence, discipline, and a belief in their own potential.
Physical
Wellness
Movement changes lives. Through basketball and active programming, we promote healthy habits, teamwork, and resilience, not just physically, but in character.
Mental
Wellness
Strong minds build strong futures. We create spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and valued, helping young people navigate challenges and know they are never alone.
Community
Service
It takes a village to raise leaders. We invest directly into communities by creating safe, inclusive spaces and empowering the next generation to give back.