Updates
Sat, Aug 7th 2010, 12:35
DJ's camp a big success
The sound of chatter from campers competed with the noise of bouncing basketballs echoing through Brother Martin’s main gym this week. While some kids propped themselves along the walls and bleachers, Charlotte Bobcats point guard DJ Augustin stood on the sideline, giving his attention to those playing on the court.
Providing the campers with an opportunity to play basketball, have fun and meet new people is what Augustin hoped to accomplish during the second annual DJ Augustin Basketball Camp.
One hundred campers attended this week to develop and enhance basketball skills, and work with a professional athlete. The campers, males ages 8 to 15, were placed into Crusaders, Longhorns and Bobcats groups — each team name commemorating the schools and franchise that have assisted Augustin in his basketball career — Brother Martin, Texas and his NBA team. For about five hours a day, campers participated in several intense drills and five-on-five competitions.
Augustin said he started the camp to give back to the community and his hometown. He hopes to continue conducting the camp at Brother Martin, where he became a standout before Hurricane Katrina caused his family to move to Houston, where he finished a stellar prep career and signed with the Longhorns.
“I love Brother Martin, “ Augustin said. “I don’t think I’ll ever have (camp) anywhere else. Brother Martin did a lot for me in high school. I’d love to have it here every year.”
Augustin works with the kids during drills, and he brings guest speakers to the camp, including NBA friends such as Indiana Pacers point guard T.J. Ford and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Royal Ivey.
“I have some good guest speakers to come and talk to them about life,” Augustin said. “We talk about some of our experiences, going to the NBA or whatever level we’re playing on, and being in the same position that they’re in right now.”