Kevon Looney, a Milwaukee native and three-time NBA champion, is preserving a traditional practice among NBA players: supporting the community through youth basketball camps. His annual Kevon Looney Youth Basketball Camp, held at Milwaukee Lutheran High School, is more than just a sports clinic. It’s a platform for mentorship, growth, and community building.
The camp is open to boys and girls aged 8-14, providing a comprehensive experience that emphasizes the fundamentals of basketball, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Campers participate in skill-building drills, competitive games, and group activities designed to enhance their performance and foster values that extend beyond the court.
Looney’s approach is based on his own journey. During his time living in Milwaukee, he participated in camps that left a lasting impression on him, both as a player and as a person.
“It’s always fun to come back home to Milwaukee and do these camps. I’ve been doing it for ten years now. I remember being a little kid, coming to camp at Devin Harris Camp, Brandon Camp, and other NBA players’ camps, and having a great time. I always wondered if I would ever make it, but I knew I wanted to follow in their footsteps. It’s been gratifying to see the kids grow up and develop a love for the game of basketball.”
The camp emphasizes the community’s values. Through mentoring and positive engagement, Running Rebels, a local organization that supports Milwaukee’s youth, is partnering with Looney. Through the integration of basketball and lessons on character, leadership, and responsibility, the camp aims to have a lasting impact on the participants’ lives.
“You never know how much impact you actually have until you see a kid grow up and realize they remember those times. I’m very, very proud to be part of that.”
Looney’s initiative is part of a long-standing NBA tradition, where players across the league host youth camps to connect with and give back to their communities. Supported by programs like the Jr. NBA, NBPA outreach efforts, and partnerships with local nonprofits, these camps play a key role in fostering young talent and keeping basketball’s grassroots strong.
What sets Looney’s camp apart is his active involvement. Unlike some player-hosted events where the star makes only a brief appearance, Looney is present throughout the camp, leading drills, sharing advice, and encouraging each participant. His presence as a mentor and role model resonates deeply with attendees, many of whom see him as proof that hard work and dedication can lead to greatness.
Kevon Looney’s commitment to his hometown reflects the best of what NBA players bring to their communities. His youth basketball camp not only develops better athletes but also empowers young people to dream bigger—on and off the court.
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