OUR MISSION
A MISSION ROOTED
IN RESILIENCE
Numquam Cede means "Never Give Up."
The organization was created to help young people develop the strength,
structure, and confidence they need to succeed on and off the court.
Basketball is the platform, but the mission goes deeper than sports.
Numquam Cede is built around the belief that student-athletes need more than training. They need mentorship, academic support, leadership
development, positive environments, and adults who believe in them,
challenge them, and help them understand that their potential is bigger
than the game.
Through basketball training, camps, clinics, mentorship, life-skills
programming, school partnerships, tournaments, community events, and
future facility programming, Numquam Cede is committed to developing
complete student-athletes across DFW and North Texas.
NUMQUAM CEDE
NEVER GIVE UP
A Latin phrase that defines not just the name, but the
standard — for athletes, students, families, and communities across North Texas.
35+
35+ years of basketball experience
DFW
REGION SERVED
6
CORE PROGRAMS
100%
YOUTH FOCUSED
THE FOUNDER
ROBERT E. OWENS JR.
Robert E. Owens Jr. — Founder
Robert E. Owens Jr. is the founder of Numquam Cede, a North Texas youth-development and basketball-impact organization created to develop complete student-athletes through basketball, mentorship, academics, leadership, life skills, and community programming.
With more than 35 years of basketball experience, Robert brings a deep understanding of the game, youth development, competition, coaching, and community impact. His basketball background includes being a former high school standout, Texas Top 25 player, All-State athlete, State Championship Runner-Up, Conference Champion, and Conference MVP.
Robert has also served the game through grassroots basketball coaching, youth basketball organizations, camps, and community-based programming. His experience as a camp director, youth basketball coach, father of two, and community volunteer has shaped his commitment to helping young athletes grow beyond basketball.
His service background includes volunteering during Black History Month programming at Greenhill School in Addison, Texas, supporting community and school-based activities, and recently completing intake as a Nike ProSkills coach. Through these experiences, Robert has seen firsthand how basketball can be used to teach discipline, leadership, confidence, accountability, and life direction.
The inspiration behind Numquam Cede is deeply personal. Robert’s parents demonstrated loyalty to community, service, and family values. His father’s love for basketball and for the youth who played the sport became a major influence in Robert’s vision. Numquam Cede honors that legacy by creating a platform where young athletes are encouraged to keep growing, keep believing, and never give up.
Built by Someone Who Knows the Game
Robert’s experience in basketball gives Numquam Cede a strong foundation in both player development and life development.
This background allows Numquam Cede to serve athletes with a balance of skill development, mentorship, discipline, accountability, and real-world guidance.
35 years of basketball experience
All-State recognition
Conference MVP
Camp director experience
Community and school volunteer experience
Former high school standout
State Championship Runner-Up
Grassroots basketball coaching
Nike ProSkills coaching intake
Texas Top 25 recognition
Conference Championship
Youth basketball organization experience
Father of two young athletes
Inspired by Family, Community, and the Love of the Game
Numquam Cede was inspired by more than basketball achievement. It was inspired by family, community, and the lasting impact that positive adults can have on young people. Robert’s parents modeled loyalty to community and a commitment to showing up for others. His father’s love for basketball and his care for the youth who played the sport became a major influence behind the creation of Numquam Cede.
That inspiration now lives through the organization’s mission: to use basketball as a tool to teach young people how to compete, lead, serve, and never give up.
WHY IT MATTERS
DEVELOPING THE PERSON
BEHIND THE PLAYER
Youth sports can change a life when the right structure is in place.
Numquam Cede exists because young athletes need more than games, rankings, and highlights. They need strong habits, positive mentors, academic accountability, safe spaces, leadership development, and a community that pushes them to become better people — not just better players.
The goal is to help every student-athlete understand that basketball can open doors — but character, discipline, education, and resilience help them walk through those doors prepared.