Donald E. Thornton is CO-Founder and Senior Vice President of Hoops-R-Us, Incorporated. Don was born and raised in Akron, Ohio, July 29, 1955 where he resides today.

Don studied Graphic Design at Akron Central-Hower High School in Ohio. He graduated in 1973 and earned a full scholarship to play basketball at Fairmont State University in West Virginia where he majored in Fine Arts. He transferred to Defiance College during his sophomore year where he went on to become a 2-Time First Team All-District, First Team All-Conference and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. Don led his team in scoring at 20 Points Per Game, averaged 3 Blocks and set a single season Defiance College rebounding record with 13.5 RPG.

Don has over 30 years experience as an exceptionally gifted Graphic Artist, Designer and Marketing Consultant. Don spent almost 9 of those years in Los Angeles working as the Art Director, Assistant Marketing Director and Sr. Vice President for the Hollywood based, New Concept Marketing Services Inc, under the tutelage of Nationally known Marketing Consultant, New Concept Marketing Services and Hoops-R-Us Founder, Willie James.

During his professional tenure in California, Don also founded and established Don't Give Up!, Incorporated in November of 1993 as a tax exempt nonprofit 501 (C)(3) Human Crisis Organization. The Mission of Don't Give Up!, was to "Rally Support, Create Awareness and Help Raise Money" on behalf of "At Risk Urban Youth" and "Victims of Human Crisis". Don continues his humanitarian works with the CO-Development, CO-Marketing and Art Direction of Hoops-R-Us and the CO-Creation of the Urban Guardians for At Risk Youth Partnership.