From Boston, MA, all the way (back) to Tacoma: NBA player Avery Bradley returns home to host youth basketball
By: Jeanne Hanigan
The headline reads like lyrics from a Steve Miller song. If a writer just added Las Vegas, NV, and then Austin, TX, the words would capture Avery Bradley's geographical journey to the National Basketball Association.
This week, local kids, ages 6 to 15, have the privilege to learn hoops from one of the best basketball players originating in the Northwest.
From Aug.13 to Aug. 16, the former Bellarmine Prep basketball starter, Findlay Prep scorer, Longhorn freshman phenom and now rising Celtic is hosting his first-ever basketball camp at Foss High School in Tacoma. This Monday morning, nearly 150 players showed up.
The registration fee was well over $100, but financial assistance was available for those who qualified.
Both the organizing company, J. Smith Hoops, and Bradley himself, offered over 50 scholarships to players. The scholarship criteria included merit and income-sensitive issues.
Fircrest Police Chief John Cheesman collaborated with Tacoma resident Monique Glenn-Leufroy to raise awareness about the basketball camp at recent National Night Out events. They were able to coordinate resources and scholarships so that many girls could participate, too. Cheesman saw the need for youth to attend the camp and called it a "great opportunity."
Other players arrived from Puyallup like 14-year-old Tyahna Legette, a soon-to-be 9th grader at Glacier View Junior High. She learned about the camp through her dad who is friends with Bradley's mother. A first time participant at any basketball camp, her inaugural experience was worth the wait. "I love it. Although there are a lot of people, everyone's interactive."
Brothers Jase and Zach Paulsen attended, and, after the first day, they were hooked. From the competitive games to shooting lessons, they both agreed that it was a "good, really fun camp." The Paulsens attend Heritage Christian School in University Place, and are entering 7th and 6th grades, respectively.
Jase and Zach Paulsen let younger brother Tyce share the spotlight with Avery Bradley
Garrett Horner, a 12-year-old St. Charles Borromeo future 7th grader, appreciates "the 5-on-5 and 3-on-3 competitions." He aspires to follow in Bradley's footsteps. He already plays for a team with the same mascot as Bellarmine's. He hopes someday to play for the Lions at the high school level, too.
Behind the scenes at this week's eponymous camp, numerous volunteers promote, coach and support the man sporting the #0 green jersey.
Garry Ward, a longtime coach and mentor of Bradley, reflects on his protege. "Avery is one of the most unassuming, low-key players you will ever meet. 'Arrogant' does not describe him." Adjectives that Ward did use to capture the quiet but stellar star were "mature, responsible, beautiful."
To demonstrate Bradley's generosity, Ward emphasized that, for the camp, "Avery personally sponsored 40 players." Ward went on to say, "Nearly 90 percent are local 253 kids, and many are from the Tacoma Girls and Boys Clubs."
Bradley's mother, Alicia Jones, was also on hand to distribute powerades and snacks. She wanted to insure that the camp was "how Avery would like it." Her biggest desire for her son is that he remembers his community and those who helped him along the way. So far, this wish has come true.
Bradley's past teammate and close childhood friend, Darnell Williams, said, "We just want to do our part. Seeing the kids with smiles on their faces is huge."
And what does Avery Bradley have to say in his shy but gracious way? "I wanted to have a camp for the kids in Tacoma. It's about giving back to the community which has given me so much." He also expresses his "thanks to the players and parents in attendance, the camp coaches and the volunteers."
Avery Bradley congratulates one of the participants
So Bradley may be here from Boston all the way (back) to Tacoma, but he still maintains his NW loyalty.
In fact, he still roots for the Seahawks over the Patriots.
As for baseball, he cheers for both the Mariners and the Red Sox, but admits for another popular sport, "I have to say Bruins since I don't think we [Seattle/Tacoma] have a pro-hockey team."
Here in the 253, this week's basketball players chant "Ready" and "Feeling Good," not just about the Avery Bradley Basketball Camp, but about being diehard fans for the local West Coast hero who just happens to live and play on the East.
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