2024 Recap
DAY 1
The first day of camp. The campers' nerves were high as they were about to showcase their skills in front of multiple D1 basketball players and high-level coaches. But at the same time, the vibes were high too.
It was a dream for some of them to play with their favorite players and talk casually with them. The day started great with warm-ups instructed by Rudy Mays (NC Basketball Staff Member). Shortly after we transitioned into stations, each age group would rotate to each coach's station. The coaches could give them direct feedback early into the camp. After stations, we established three leagues.
The high school league was for the youngest set of campers (8-10 years old). The college league was for campers of the ages 10-12. Finally, the NBA was for players ages 13-14. Within each league 3 or 4 teams. The campers played a few practice games with their teams before heading over to lunch in Talley Student Union. After lunch, which was sponsored by Empire Eats, the campers awaited the day one guest speaker Ben Middlebrooks.
After learning about his journey, the campers lined up for pictures and autographs. Day One was then wrapped up with some scrimmage games with their teams!
DAY 2
The second day of camp started off very similarly. The campers did a warm-up, and quickly transitioned into their stations. Right after stations, similar to yesterday, they split into their groups to scrimmage before lunch.
For day two, the campers enjoyed Chick-fil-A. After lunch, guest speakers Trey Parker and Breon Pass were interviewed by Casey Morsell.
After the interview, campers could ask whatever questions they wanted. After questions, the chance to take a picture with the two or sign an autograph was given. Shortly after pictures and autographs, the campers transitioned into more scrimmages to end the day. Overall, today's vibes were HIGH!
DAY 3
The third day started like every other. Shoot around, warm-ups, and stations. By now, campers knew exactly how their day would start and end. After stations, the campers played knockout and transitioned into their teams to scrimmage.
Lunchtime wrapped up the scrimmages and the campers headed to the student union for Papa John's Pizza. After lunch, the campers awaited guest speakers Saniya Rivers and Aziaha James! Just like the last two days, campers had the opportunity to ask questions, listen to advice, take pictures with the two, and receive autographs.
Finally, the campers ended the day with their teams and coaches for games. The competitiveness ramped up today which set a standard for the rest of camp.
DAY 4
The second to last day of camp was a very eventful one. The day started normally with a warm-up directed once again by Rudy Mays, and stations right after. After stations, the teams were divided into their age groups and played king of the court. King of the court transitioned into scrimmages which transitioned into lunch.
Lunch was sponsored by City of Oaks Catering which provided hotdogs, chips, and cookies for the campers! Following lunch, Terquavion Smith, our day four guest speaker and NBA player, awaited the campers. And as always, he shared some really valuable advice, some even personalized to camper's situations.
Campers also got to ask about his journey to the league and the experience of being an NBA player. Pictures and autographs were of course given and after, it was scrimmage time. But this day was different. Terquavion stayed behind to watch, so the campers had to show off. As the camp went on, improvement was extremely evident, which made every day's scrimmages more and more competitive. To
DAY 5
The final day. The vibes today were high right off the bat. It was championship day. Everything the campers have worked for throughout the week feels like it led up to today. Today was a half day. So after the warmup, we were straight into games. To start, each team played one game.
The winners of both games advanced into the championship games. These games were the closest and most intense games of the camp so far! Buzzer beaters, overtime victories, court storms, if you name it, the final day had it. After winners were decided throughout the three leagues, the award ceremony started.
Shortly after, the final guest speaker of the camp was introduced. DJ Burns took the court alongside Torin Dorn, which was an amazing way to wrap up the camp.
This camp was certainly one to remember. An all-around amazing experience for the campers and the coaches.