For the second straight summer, NBA stars are hosting basketball camps at the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Last August, the Oval and the Richmond-based DRIVE Academy welcomed Zach LaVine — the 22-year-old Renton, WA native who recently wrapped up his third season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The two-time NBA Slam Dunk champion hosted a one day, three-hour camp, which quickly sold out.
LaVine has announced he will be returning to Richmond this summer and an exact date is expected to be finalized soon.
Meanwhile, the Kelly Olynyk NBA Skills Clinic will be coming to the Oval for the first time in July.
The former B.C. high school basketball star and Boston Celtics member will be hosting a two-day session on July 29-30. He will joined by Danny Green of the San Antonio Spurs.
Olynyk moved from Toronto to Kamloops when he was in Grade 7 and enjoyed an outstanding high school career with South Kamloops — leading the Titans to a third place finish at provincials in his Grade 12 year.
The seven-footer received a scholarship to Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA where he earned First Team All-American honours in his junior season. He was drafted 13th overall by the Dallas Mavericks then immediately traded to the Celtics where he has played the past four seasons.
The 26-year-old is currently averaging nine points as the Celtics own a 2-0 series lead over Washington in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Green is in his eighth NBA season, including the past seven with San Antonio. The former University of North Carolina star is averaging seven points per game. The Spurs are also still involved in the NBA playoffs, taking on the Houston Rockets.
Throughout the two-day clinic, Olynyk and Green, along with the rest of the coaching staff, will place campers in small groups. They will be put through a number of drills focused on improving their basketball skills level in ball-handling, shooting, passing and defence.
The camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is open to boys and girls ages eight to 17. The cost is $199 (US) and includes a Nike Kelly Olynyk T-shirt, a camp photo with Olynyk and Green, along with an autographed item. Visit GoldLevelse.com/copy-of-danny-green-registration-2 for more details and to register.
There are also plenty of opportunities to attend other hoop camps this summer.
The DRIVE Academy is hosting 10 summer camps — ranging from early July until late August. The co-ed sessions are divided into three age groups (7-10, 11-13 and 14-17) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit DriveBasketball.com
