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By Brandon Robinson
Brooklyn Daily
Leftover turkey and holiday shopping couldn’t keep kids from enjoying hoops action as Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez entertained more than 100 kids at his Citi Pro Basketball Camp at Queens College’s Fitzgerald Gymnasium last Sunday.
The event hosted kids 7–18 years of age from all over the city, including Brooklyn. Lopez flew back to New York to attend his camp after the Nets earned a win in Memphis against the Grizzlies the night before. He had 20 points and nine rebounds on Saturday, but his concern on Sunday was providing a great experience for the kids.
“I really want these kids to realize how much fun sports can be,” said Lopez.
During his camp, Lopez played games, signed autographs, took pictures and fielded questions from the kids. In his sixth season out of Stanford, he became a first-time NBA All-Star last season. This year he is averaging 20 points and six rebounds per game, and recently became the ninth player in Nets history to reach 6,000 points. His play has earned him plenty of fans.
“I know how to make a 3-pointer and I like Brook Lopez because he’s my favorite basketball player,” said Xavier Durant, a 7-year-old camper from Marine Park.
His mother Yesenia Vega said the basketball camp was a dream come true for her son and his pals.
“They get to see Brook Lopez, someone they do idolize,” she said.
Parents like her believe the camp was a great chance for their kids to have fun and learn some basketball. Having an NBA star like Lopez around is an added bonus.
“Getting to come to an event is a rare opportunity,” said Williamsburg resident Samantha Steadman, whose son Elias participated. “He’s enjoying it, he’s soaking it all up, and I’m on the sidelines enjoying it, too.”
Growing up in Fresno, Calif., the 7-foot Lopez idolized San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan and current Nets teammate Kevin Garnett. He called them two all-time great post players. Lopez recalled he and his twin brother Robin Lopez, a Portland Trailblazer, participating in similar basketball camps when they were younger. Now he’s creating similar memories for other kids.
“I learned a lot of post moves,” said Christopher Striker, an eight grader at MS 366 in Canarsie. “It’s helped me develop. When I go home I can go and practice the drills and everything he did. Hopefully I can make it to the NBA some day.”
With an extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend spent eating lots of food, the camp created an environment for kids to stay active.
“It’s great for kids looking up to a guy like Brook Lopez who’s in season and willing to put on a clinic like this and spend three hours,” said Pro Camps Senior vice president Eric Liebler.