EDMOND, Okla. - The game of basketball is often judged by the numbers that appear on a scoreboard. But for many, this game expands far beyond the hardwood, offering life lessons and opportunity to advance in life.

Head men's basketball coach Kendre Talley spent a week of his summer speaking at Hoops for Peace Basketball Camp down in Spencer, Okla., right across the street from the house Talley grew up in.

Hoops for Peace is a basketball camp that is free for kids ages 8-17. In collaboration with the City of Oklahoma City, Hoops for Peace serves as "a safe, supportive environment where young athletes can learn, grow and thrive."

"This camp combines basketball skill development with impactful programs such as mentorship, violence prevention workshops, academic tutoring and job placement counseling."

As the week's speaker, Talley spoke on what it takes to be successful while growing up in a rough area. There are a lot of decisions that have to be made based on integrity when it comes to academics, walking though adversity, people telling you you will not amount to much, while also addressing many questions on being the first generation in their families to go to school. 

"So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." James 4:17 (ESV). Sin is not only doing wrong. It can also be failing to do what is right.

"The kids in this area need to know that it is possible to be successful no matter where you come from," Talley said. "In addition to mentorship and violence prevention, but they also received testimonies much like mine that will encourage them to stay on the right track and make good decisions. It was a blessing to be able to give back to my community because it takes a village."