NBA star Ben Simmons puts on clinic for 400 budding basketballers in Wantirna South
BEN Simmons has bounced his way into the hearts of 400 lucky young basketballers at his Wantirna South clinic.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
BEN Simmons has bounced his way into the hearts of 400 lucky young basketballers at his Wantirna South clinic today.
The NBA Rookie Of The Year, who played junior basketball for Knox Raiders, held two clinics with his team of assistants at the State Basketball Centre.
The clinics, which cost $180-a-head, sold out quickly after they got announced last month and had more than 700 people on the waiting list.
ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE IN LYSTERFIELD STREET
HOW THIS TEEN CEO MAKES MONEY ONLINE
DETERMINED LEAH MAKES IT DOWN THE AISLE
Simmons had a group photo and a Q+A session with the young participants, while his team took them through drills and shooting competitions in small groups. He also dropped by each group to pass on tips and advice.
The Philadelphia 76ers star said it was “amazing” to come back to his roots.
“Unfortunately this (the centre) wasn’t built when I was here but it’s an amazing facility to have here,” he said.
“I’m grateful to be able to go over to a camp like this every year and have it continue to grow, and I’ve had a great time so far.”
On track to be Australian’s biggest basketball star of a generation, Simmons said he was humbled to be many young fans’ new hero.
“The other day I saw somebody crying just because they saw me,” he said.
“It was kind of weird but at the same time it was amazing but surreal… to have that effect on people and kids has just been fantastic.”
Simmons is keen to see the camp grow and expand to more Australian cities in the coming years.
“I’ve got a great opportunity now to give back to kids here and obviously Australian basketball,” he said.
“This one of those days I’ve always had in my mind where I want to come back and give back wherever I can and this is one of the ways I can do it.”
Kew basketballer Sam Bubb, 14, missed out on Simmons’ clinic last year and wasn’t going to let another opportunity slip by.
“As soon I saw it on Instagram I thought, I’ve gotta go,” he said.
“It’s crazy how a kid from Australia can be the Rookie Of The Year.
“I’m a Celtics fan but I love watching him play, and it’s been a really good experience.”
Simmons is spending the rest of his time in Melbourne hanging out with family before flying out of Australia tomorrow.
The rising stars set to take VTCA season by storm
Talented youngsters continue to make their way through the ranks of Victorian Turf Cricket Association clubs. Here’s some of the rising stars to look out for this season.
Local club celebrates centenary with legends, new beer
Local cricket club Barkly Street Uniting is celebrating its centenary this season and marked the occasion by inducting new legends and a beer collaboration.