Sky is the Limit for High School Basketball Stars

July 09, 2010

NBPA Top 100 Camper B.J. Young showcases his slam dunk skills in front of his peers.

By: Talia Bargil
For NBPA.com

More than 100 student-athletes at the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Top 100 High School Basketball Camp listened intently as a flurry of former NBA players, coaches and experts imparted compelling personal stories and invaluable words of wisdom on them.

But the campers, some more wide-eyed than others, sat a little taller and listened a bit harder as Tim McCormick, Camp Director and eight-year NBA veteran, repeated a poignant statement that hushed the captive crowd of NBA hopefuls.

“Only you can stop you,” he said. And with amplified intensity reiterated, “Only you can stop you.”

As McCormick’s words reverberated throughout the University of Virginia’s John Paul Jones Arena last June, it was quickly apparent that this unique Camp was about serious business, on and off the basketball court.

Embarking on the four-day, intensive journey as blank slates, the campers experienced a progressive – and remarkably comprehensive – lesson in everything from perfecting a crossover to protecting their sexual health. And with a tremendous collection of coaches, mentors and educators in place, the young men were sponges, soaking in every drop of priceless knowledge from the best of the best.

Drawing on the talent of the nation’s most elite high school basketball standouts, the NBPA Top 100 Camp, started in 1994, is widely recognized as one of the top basketball camps in the country and exists to prepare rising juniors and seniors for both their professional and personal lives. More than 100 current NBA players are Top 100 alumni, including Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Kevin Durant, Shane Battier, Rajon Rondo, Brandon Jennings, Al Horford and many other notables.

“If you have a solid foundation, you will be successful in whatever it is you want to be or do,” said Purvis Short, NBPA Director of Player Programs and 12-year NBA veteran. “All 450 current NBA players have made a commitment for us to put on this Camp to help each of you build a foundation.”

Hailing from all corners of the country, the up-and-comers experienced a brief taste of college life, rooming together in the school dorms and eating as a unit in the campus cafeteria. Security was tight and lights were out at 11 p.m. No exceptions. Well, except to watch Game 7 of the NBA Finals, understandably permitted (and a surprise treat for the guys).

On the court, the competition was fierce, as standing out meant diving for every loose ball, making the extra pass, taking the charge and everything in between. Five extraordinary campers were named “Workout Warriors,” recognition for voluntarily participating in the Camp’s “Breakfast Club,” the early bird practice session beginning at 6:45 a.m. each morning.

Dave Telep, the Camp’s Player Personnel Director and National Recruiting Director of Scout.com, was a leader in the Top 100 player selection process and remains an authority on the high school basketball circuit. With the best interest of each camper in mind, Telep’s genuine enthusiasm for the Camp was apparent as he explained to the young guns, “You were hand chosen based on talent, ability and potential. I wanted guys who would come here and compete, and we are here to help you maximize your ability. This is an amazing opportunity to make an impression.”

Making for a particularly memorable and exceptional experience, Campers learned under the tutelage of the country’s top high school basketball coaches, who were partnered with more than 20 current and former NBA players as part of the NBPA’s Coaching Program.

The campers played two games a day, in addition to team practices, skill development stations, training and treatment. The teams with the most wins went on to compete in the playoffs, and the “Detroit Pistons,” led by New York Knick Chris Duhon, took the prize.

With a jam-packed agenda, several special guests, including UVA Athletics Director Craig Littlepage, Sex Education Expert Sandra “Ms. Mac” McDonald, published Life Coach Tony Gaskins and numerous others, addressed the group with powerful messages. Topics ranged from the dangers of text messaging while driving, to etiquette, the pressures surrounding the recruitment process, avoiding common pitfalls and beyond.

Especially gripping – and as raw as it comes – was the tandem of NBA veterans Cliff Robinson and Dirk Minniefield, who shared their tumultuous stories of alcohol and drug addiction, eventually bringing their NBA careers to an untimely and screeching halt.

 

Chris Washburn, a college star turned NBA bust, spoke about his journey from stardom to the streets, where he found himself homeless in Houston after a losing battle with cocaine. Making the ultimate comeback, Washburn is now 10 years sober, works for a mortgage company in Dallas and spoke candidly to the campers about the real life consequences of addiction.

The campers’ parents also participated in a number of guest presentations as part of the Parents Coaching Parents Program. The camp added the informative and interactive Parents Program in 2003 to create a “team approach” between parents and players.

After four rigorous – yet enlightening – days of boot camp on the court and in the classroom, Campers went their separate ways…each with a video “resume” of their performances and some with trophies to add to their collection.

“Amateurs rely on talent,” said McCormick. “Pros work hard and take advantage of their opportunities.”

And from the looks of it, this Top 100 Camp has a whole lot of pros in the making.

TOP 100 CAMP AWARDS

· Top 100 Camp MVP: 
  Chane Behanan, Bowling Green, KY (Bowling Green High School)

· Playoffs MVP:
  Dezmine Wells, Chatham, VA (Hargrave High School)

· Most Outstanding Prospect:
  Anthony Davis, Chicago, IL (Perspectives Charter School)

· Leadership Award:
  Myck Kobongo, Las Vegas, NV (Findlay Prep)

· Surprise Player:
  Nick Faust, Abingrion, MD (Baltimore City High School)

· Workout Warriors:
  Amir Garrett, Sherman Oaks, CA (Leuzinger High School)
  Myck Kobongo, Las Vegas, NV (Findlay Prep)
  Marshall Plumlee, Winona Lake, IN (Christ School)
  Levi Randolph, Madison, AL (Bob Jones High School)
  BJ Young, Florissant, MO (McCluer North High School)