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Daequan Cook brings NBA stars to local basketball camp

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer 9:51 PM Saturday, June 6, 2009

It’s always a big deal when NBA star Daequan Cook of the Miami Heat comes home.

This time, he’s bringing some of his best friends to Dayton for an event the area’s youth won’t want to miss.

Greg Oden (Portland Trail Blazers), Mike Conley (Memphis Grizzlies) and Heat teammates Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem and Mario Chalmers are instructors for the Daequan Cook Basketball Skills Camp for boys and girls on Monday and Tuesday, June 22-23, at Dunbar High School and Louise Troy Elementary School.

How’s that for star power?

“The beauty of this camp is that kids who don’t get a chance to go to NBA games get to see some great players — who grew up in neighborhoods just like ours — up close and personal,” said Albert Powell, Dunbar assistant coach and camp coordinator.

“The NBA does a great job encouraging players to give back to their communities, and that’s what Daequan is all about. He’s a great role model. He’s trying to show kids that if you work hard enough, you’ll be a productive citizen. You may not become an NBA player, but you’ll be a success in life.”

The camp costs $20 and includes lunch, but Powell said youngsters who can’t afford it won’t be turned away — as long as there’s room in the gym.

Proceeds benefit the Dayton Airmen youth program.

ontact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com

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