‘Just A Kid From Wichita’ enters new era to guide young athletes
More than a decade after launching to inspire Wichita’s youth through basketball, the “Just A Kid From Wichita” initiative is entering a new chapter focused on helping families navigate the increasingly complex world of modern sports.
D.J. Fisher, a Wichita native and veteran sports agent who founded the program in 2012, announced a refreshed initiative this month that aims to educate young athletes and their families on everything from social media and recruiting to branding and NIL.
This summer’s annual basketball camp is on pause as Fisher continues to battle a serious health issue — a challenge that prompted him to reflect on the program’s mission and chart a broader path forward.
“Our mission has always been about more than just basketball,” said Fisher. “With the rapid changes in sports, we have some of the most successful sports industry professionals in all of sports, born and raised right there in Wichita and it’s critical we equip our athletes and families with the tools and expert guidance they need to succeed.”
The new initiative will launch with a two-day Sports Summit and Interactive Panel on August 7–8, 2026, followed by the return of the youth basketball camp for boys and girls ages 6 to 16. The summit will feature speakers from across the sports world, including Wichita South alum David Thomas, a former NBA front office executive who now works in marketing at Octagon Basketball.
Fisher, who has represented numerous pro athletes from Wichita over his career, said the goal is to bring back hometown success stories who understand the grind — and want to give back to the next generation.
The relaunch also marks the beginning of Fisher’s final chapter in the sports industry. He told The Eagle he plans to retire after completing his last client contract with UConn women’s basketball player Allie Ziebell.
Over the past 10 years, “Just A Kid From Wichita” has become a staple in the local youth sports scene, combining athletic development with character-building and mentorship. This next phase aims to expand that impact, tackling the off-court realities young athletes face today, particularly around college recruiting, personal branding, and NIL opportunities.
This story was originally published July 18, 2025 at 6:02 AM.
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