Round Rock is proudly hosting this year’s National Deaf Basketball Championship, where deaf athletes from across the country are competing—not just for cash prizes, but for something much bigger than basketball.
The National Deaf Basketball Organization (NDBO) began in 2009.
This year, the tournament features 38 men’s teams and 14 women’s teams—a testament to the sport’s growing popularity in the deaf community.
Family is a recurring theme in this organization. Quentin Murphy, who played in the league’s early days and now serves as a coach and team owner, emphasizes that philosophy.
“My philosophy is that we’re a family. Basketball comes last. What matters is that they’re doing well, staying healthy, and working out,” said Murphy.
Teams have traveled from coast to coast, and the sense of community is strong.
“We come here, we grow, we meet more people. It’s wonderful to see,” said one player.
Even the referees are deaf, coming from all over the country.
“We are visual people. Everything must be signed—we see everything,” one ref explained.
The annual tournament feels like a reunion for many.
And while the community is tight-knit, newcomers are always welcome.