Back in 2012, Kevin Thotti and Jimmy Nella had a simple but powerful idea: to bring the KNA community together through the game of basketball. From that vision, the KBL was born—a league that has since become a cornerstone of connection, camaraderie, and community.

Through KBL, the game became more than just basketball—it became a unifier. People from different generations and backgrounds, who may have never crossed paths, found themselves on the same court, building friendships, mutual respect, and a stronger sense of community. In places like Chicago, where our KNA population is especially strong, the league created bonds that extended far beyond the final buzzer.

And none of it would have been possible without Kevin’s leadership. He poured his blood, sweat, and tears into building this league from the ground up. He made it a point to be inclusive, welcoming everyone—regardless of whether they married outside the community or were never exposed to the community. He even invested his own money to ensure the league had the support it needed to thrive.

When the time came and Kevin could no longer manage the day-to-day operations, he didn’t shut the league down—he entrusted it to others who could carry the torch, so that KBL could continue to be a positive force in the community. Today, Kevin remains actively involved, serving as a trusted advisor on the KBL board, helping to guide its future while honoring its roots.

Thirteen years later, KBL is still going strong, standing firmly on the same values and principles Kevin laid out back in 2012.

This year, we’re proud to announce that starting in 2026, the KBL MVP Trophy will be named in honor of Kevin Thotti.

When you see Kev, make sure to give him his flowers. He didn’t just start a league—he helped build a legacy.