Today's story is not coming from the past but rather continues to this day. Its the story of a basketball romantic entrepreneur who greatly values the importance of streetball & blacktop basketball in promoting the game. Our interview with Mehdi, founder of the Bball in the Sky project, combines social issues, the blending of street art and of course basketball. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!!!  

RHH: Hello Mehdi and welcome to our community blog!

BBALL: Thank you for having me, lets do this!

Story overview

RHH: what inspired you to create a Basketball in the Sky project in the first place?

BBALL: It has already been couple of years ago, 2017 to be exact. We used to play with some friends in an outdoor basketball court here in Brussels when at some point the politicians/bureaucrats in charge of the sports affairs and basketball court, decided to switch their approach and to transform the basketball court into a mini pitch - these are known as "Agora Space" style pitches, combining multiple sports in a single court (mix of football, basketball, volleyball and so on). So along with some friends we decided to try and suggest some things for that process but the person in charge of this project didn't even try to listen, let alone integrate our ideas.

And so, starting from this point, I observed that in really a lot of basketball courts here in Brussels, the infrastructure was not good. And so, I said to myself how about do something to try to beautify them and improve the facilities around them.

RHH: Yeah the outdoor courts in the city are not in good shape at all. So what was the process and where did the name come from? 

BBALL: I started exploring what people were doing around the world for outdoor, streetball and blacktop courts. I noticed some really creative projects, couple of them in Pigalle, Paris, where they transformed a basketball court by adding vibrant colors and giving it a unique style. Later, I saw something similar in Venice Beach, Los Angeles. And then in Paris again, a street-artist called Jeremy carried out the same type of idea.

That’s when I thought to myself: why not try something similar in Brussels? Not just by replicating the artistic courts, but by taking the concept further—placing basketball courts in unexpected, original locations. One idea that really inspired me was creating a court on rooftops. That’s how the name Bball in the Sky was born. My first vision was to bring basketball to the rooftops.

From that idea, the project grew. I began organizing basketball tournaments, and together with my team, we designed and built several courts across Belgium - 7 for basketball already plus 1 tennis court.

RHH: That's a really unique idea indeed! How about the rooftops, did you mange to place one...up there?

BBALL: Here in Belgium, based on my own experience, I’ve noticed that people are often hesitant. When I propose ideas like this, they’re usually more open to other sports—such as padel or tennis—rather than basketball. I also believe I’m not always the best person to negotiate these projects. Unfortunately, in Belgium, and especially in Brussels, people tend to be more receptive to proposals coming from those who share a similar background. Since I don’t share that same background, my ideas sometimes seem to make people uneasy. That’s one of the challenges I’ve faced.

RHH: So because you're half Algerian, correct? If I remember correctly?

BBALL: Yeah, exactly. I think that's the fact that I have African background, may have people a little bit scared. Stereotypes and racial discriminations are hard to break through. So, I think that it could be easier for a "fully" Belgian person to negotiate with someone of a similar background. 

RHH: Okay. Now, it's not nice to hear. I mean, sports should bring people together. and it's a pity, especially in Brussels, which is such a diverse and multicultural city.

BBALL: Yeah, that's the contrast. That’s the paradox of Brussels. It’s one of the most multicultural cities in the world—probably even the first or second in terms of diversity. Yet, at the same time, people tend to stay within their own communities. They don’t always share leisure activities or experiences across cultural lines. Even when you just walk through the city, you can clearly see the divisions: the European quarter, the wealthier neighborhoods, and then the poorer areas. The reality is that people here don’t really mix as much as you would expect in such a diverse city.

RHH: I see but still I think your project could really help socially too. Aside the beautification and improvement of courts. 

BBALL: Unfortunately yes... and I think that even though people do play a lot of basketball indoors, there is no, let's say, complex where you find also outdoors courts to play. True.

RHH: Which is a pity, because I think teams would really benefit. They could have like an open space where they could scout players for free. And I really don't understand why they don't. 

BBALL: Indeed teams could really benefit but there is not enough understanding for these projects from the side of politicians. It really depends on the politician in charge of these kinds of subjects. For example, most of the basketball courts I implemented with my team were in Charleroi. Why Charleroi? Because the person responsible for sports projects there is actually a former first-division football player. He understands the subject, and he knows how important these kinds of projects are. So, when someone like me comes with an idea, he’s open and supportive. But when the person in charge doesn’t have that same background, or doesn’t understand the value of open, free-access infrastructure, it’s much harder—they just don’t really see what you’re trying to achieve.

RHH:  But if they're not going to help, why get in your way? You know? Just letting you do your thing might give them a differrent perspective

BBALL:  I totally agree with you, this exactly where the problems lies. That’s why I’d like to move on and explore opportunities abroad. To be honest, I’m tired of constantly trying to convince people about the importance of free-access basketball courts—and even free-access sports activities in general. In Belgium, the focus seems to be more on indoor infrastructures. And, to be fair, I think this is also tied to the economic situation. There isn’t much funding available anymore, so politicians are forced to make tough choices between sports and other priorities. That makes it very complicated for someone like me to push these kinds of projects forward.

RHH:  But I'm guessing it's not insanely expensive to renovate an outdoor basketball court no? Especially compared to indoor facilities!

BBALL:  That’s the thing. If you look at the costs, for example, a mini-pitch—also known as an Agora Space—can cost anywhere between €50,000 and €70,000, depending on the location and context. In comparison, creating a basketball court costs around €20,000 at most.

RHH:  That is a staggering difference, makes no sense. So why do you think you cant break through as easily? 

BBALL:  They 'll never admit it is mainly vote-chasing. The main argument is that with the Agora Space, young people, can do more diverse sports activities. You see? 

RHH:  Yeah but not really though. People will just be overlapping and arguing for using the court. 

BBALL:  Of course. That's the thing. Since they don't really get the sports culture, when you explain that they are creating confrontation between a football player and basketball player for example and in most of cases, it is the football player who wins because of the sport's popularity, they just don't understand. I mean, the fight, the struggle, the tension... they just don't understand. Its sad.

RHH:  Let me take you back to the artistic side of it now. Is there a specific story behind the artwork or the colors you pick for each court/project?   

BBALL:  Its more the feeling of the moment rather than a pre-conceived idea. For the very first courts we created, we started with two basketball courts. The main colors we used were blue and white. Why blue? Because I was really inspired by Venice Beach, and also because blue is the color of the sky—Bball in the Sky had to start with that.

Two years later, in Charleroi, I began experimenting with pastel tones. I often look for inspiration online—scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest, checking out basketball courts from around the world. That’s how new ideas come to me. One of my favorite courts in Charleroi uses a shade that’s somewhere between pink and orange—a soft salmon color. I really liked it, so I used that as a base and built the rest of the design around it. Sometimes, I also take inspiration from the environment itself—the neighborhood, the city, the colors around the court. Each project is shaped both by global influences and by the local atmosphere.

RHH:  That's great, I also saw you have some you-tube videos and channel? 

BBALL:  Yeah. I would stay one that stands out is a documentary about our first project in Brussels. That's why we called it Dansaert Legacy. It was really a successful project. So, that's why I decided to make like a documentary, a short documentary. But you can see like the genesis of this project.

RHH:  Do you also see your project related to social responsibility and social impact?

BBALL:  From the very beginning, my goal was to create real social impact in Brussels, and across Belgium. My main objective was to implement free-access basketball courts with the highest quality infrastructure—plexiglass backboards, flexible rims, and everything needed to offer players the best possible experience.

Even for the painting, we worked with a Belgian provider who produced his own paints locally. He started in Brussels, later moved to Charleroi, and then came back to Brussels. On top of that, he’s also a basketball player himself. That made me really proud—to know we were supporting someone from within the community.

But over time, I realized that while social responsibility was essential for me, it wasn’t always seen the same way by the people I was speaking to. When I talked to politicians, their focus was mainly on the activity of sport itself—not the quality of the infrastructure. When I explained how important flexible rims or plexiglass backboards are, they didn’t really care. Their only concern was the durability of the equipment.

They’d say things like, “People aren’t respectful of the material. We need anti-dunk rims, we need protection against vandalism.” But my belief has always been the opposite: if you invest in high-quality infrastructure and work closely with the neighborhood, people will take pride in the court and protect it themselves.

I spent a lot of energy trying to convince them of this, but honestly, it its very mentally tiring. Too often, it felt like the politicians were more interested in collecting votes than truly supporting projects that build community. That’s my feeling. Maybe I’m exhausted now, but perhaps the next generation will still have the energy to keep pushing and convince them further.

RHH:  Listen definitely don't give it up. I mean, by all means do try to expand to other countries if you can, but don't give it up because things change. You never know maybe some other good person, like the guy you mentioned in Charleroi, takes over here. So keep an eye and keep going. It's an very interesting project.

BBALL:  Thank you. But that's why I'm trying to have projects also abroad. Because I think that I need also to see other environments and other people and also to feel how they perceive my own project and how the people react to my project.

RHH:  Have you also faced any challenges with inclusivity in your sports and art efforts? And how do you deal with these?

BBALL:  Both basically. One of the most positive aspects of this project is that it brings together two different groups of people: basketball lovers who come to play, and people who are drawn to the artwork itself.

It was incredible to witness this firsthand. I had seen similar dynamics in other countries where these projects were implemented, but I didn’t expect to observe it myself in Belgium. Suddenly, I saw new players discovering the game on these courts, while at the same time, young people who had no interest in basketball were coming just to take photos and enjoy the space. That inclusivity—where the court becomes both a sports facility and a cultural space—is something I deeply value in my project.

There’s another important inclusivity dimension: the issue of gender. In Brussels, Belgium, and across many Western countries, access to outdoor sports infrastructure is often unequal. Women face many obstacles, from harassment and aggression to the way some men treat public space as something they “own.” Sometimes men are aware of this and make an effort to be welcoming, but often they aren’t conscious of it at all, which makes women feel excluded.

The reality also varies depending on the city—or even from one neighborhood to another. That’s why, with my team, we’ve made several proposals to politicians to help improve access. One simple but powerful solution is lighting. Many women report not feeling safe on the streets at night because of the lack of public light, which makes them more vulnerable to theft or harassment. The same applies to basketball courts: if they are well lit, women feel safer and more willing to use them.

Another key is basic infrastructure like public toilets. Something as simple as providing accessible women’s toilets near basketball courts can make a big difference. Otherwise, women might decide not to play in the evening or after work, simply because they don’t have a safe and comfortable option nearby.

That said, I do see some positive evolution. In Brussels, there’s a growing number of women’s basketball clubs, which is encouraging. It means women themselves are pushing their perspectives and needs directly to politicians. And that’s how it should be: as men, it’s not our role to impose solutions on women. They should have ownership and agency to design the spaces and policies that work best for them.

So, when I think about inclusivity in my project, there are really two main dimensions: first, the blend between sports and art, and second, the question of gender and equal access to public space.

RHH:  Has this project changed the way you look at the sport and communities in general?

BBALL:  I was born in 1981, and in my time, playing basketball outside was a central part of the culture. I honestly can’t imagine basketball without outdoor courts—they were essential to learning, socializing, and enjoying the game.

But when I listen to the younger generation, I notice a shift. Many of them don’t share the same perspective—they’re more focused on becoming professional players and may not value outdoor spaces in the same way I do. Mental and physical improvement were key for a development of a player and streetball and outdoors basketball did exactly that. You loose = you sit and wait your turn, no guaranteed playing time.

Its also super important for people who cant really afford indoor sports or have easy enough access to indoor courts. Affordable sports is really an issue for many people!!!

Additionally the covid situation showcased how important outdoor sports are! Health benefits also need to be taken into account. 

RHH:  You know some coaches told me, that youngsters get more injured nowadays because their legs are not hardened enough on a tougher surface.

BBALL:  That is exactly right but good luck convincing clubs and parents on that. Also outdoor games are not refereed most times so you are forced to play through hard fouls and contact which can be really helpful for a player to be more complete towards a proper 5v5 game. Generational thing maybe but younger people don't necessarily see it like that. 

RHH:  Yeah people used to line up to play outside but also the Brussels weather does not help much...

BBALL:  (Laughs) Indeed but still the paradox is that when the weather is fine in some courts like Cinquantenaire, people are lining up to play so where are they going the rest of the year? Probably indoors, so nice outdoor facilities would probably attract more people. 

RHH:  I have a final question. What are the artists and/or players that you would like to one day collaborate with?

BBALL:  (Laughs) Giannis, Doncic, Şengün, Schröder are some players -even more after the latest Eurobasket- that I would love to meet some day and maybe invite them on our courts! Now for the artistic side there are plenty that are already contributing but right now I am focusing to establishing a distinctive style for our project but art is a very broad spectrum so we will see... 

RHH:  Thank you very much it was a pleasure chatting with you and explaining us your project. 

BBALL:  Thank you very much for your interest and the chance to talk about this.