WEST PALM BEACH — A lucky group of 70 youths recently got to meet an NBA star.
Toronto Raptors forward Scottie Barnes returned to his West Palm Beach roots on July 1, partnering with the Handlelife basketball academy to host a free youth camp for local boys and girls at Keiser University.
The 2022 NBA Rookie of the Year has poured himself back into the community that raised him, working with the academy that helped him grow his own skills nearly a decade ago.
Student-athletes had the opportunity to develop their game through a hands-on approach from Barnes, who was on the court with them during instruction by Handelife’s Brian Macon and his team.
“It means it all,” Barnes said of the opportunity to give back. “It’s just fun. I’m having fun playing with the kids. It just means everything to be able to do this for the kids. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I made it to the NBA. It’s a blessing that I can be able to do it.”
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Those in attendance received a camp T-shirt. Unlike the vast majority of paid camps put on by professional athletes, this camp was free.
“Me being in the spot that these kids are in right now, it was a no-brainer for me to just do a free camp for the kids,” Barnes said. “Me giving back to them is the least I can do.”
It was all smiles as the youths warmed up with a variety of stretches and exercises, instructed by Macon’s team, before taking the the court for drills and team activities.
Barnes rotated between the groups, taking part with and against them, challenging them and putting their skills to the test.
And of course, what Scottie Barnes basketball camp would be complete without a few dramatic dunks by the star forward?
The camp was split into two age groups, and a number of promising high-schoolers were in attendance for the valuable basketball instruction.
Here are five young athletes who impressed during the camp.
Xavian Charles, Grandview Prep
A transfer from Santaluces, Charles was originally going to be out of state for a tournament during Barnes’ camp. When plans changed, registering for the camp was a no-brainer for the 16-year-old basketball player.
A Miami Heat fan, Charles transferred to the Pride to get “more exposure” and a “chance to be seen.”
He executed some sharp play during the camp, regularly testing his mock opposition, standing out as one of the most talented pure shooters and drivers.
“As a player, I’ve got speed, jump shot, I can play defense,” he said. “I’ve just got to work on the IQ piece and being ambidextrous, using both hands.”
Kyle Zaner, Grandview Prep
Zaner, 14, showcased some impressive sharpshooting during the camp. He outshot most of his competition, something Grandview has to be excited about as he gets set to enter the program later this year.
Then again, he’s already played with the summer league team – they know what they’re getting.
“Right now, I’m in a pretty good place,” Zaner said. “I’ve been training with Handlelife for awhile. I’m here just to get better and have some fun.”
Xachary Charles, Bak Middle School of the Arts
As a point guard, Charles, 13, showcased great passing skills and vision on the court during the camp.
Given those strengths as a player, his NBA icon, Kyrie Irving, certainly makes sense.
You might have guessed it by the name – he’s the younger brother of Xavian, also on the list of top talent from the camp.
“For me to be with him, too, just means a lot,” he said.
Trejor Street, Suncoast
After playing for Tradewinds, Street, 14, will be attending Suncoast next year, entering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. But she’s also there to play basketball.
A fan of Irving and Candace Parker, she hopes to continue honing her skills with opportunities like the Scottie Barnes camp, with goal of playing at the next level on her mind.
“I think I’m good at driving and scoring,” she said. “I know I need to work on my finishing. Just because I’m a freshman doesn’t mean I’m not good. I just want to prove everybody wrong that said I couldn’t make it.”
Jordan McCoy, Palm Beach Lakes
Coming in as a shooting guard trying to work on perimeter defense and his shooting, McCoy contends that his skills as a playmaker and leader on the court allow him to call plays against defenses.
While those visionary skills might not have been allowed to shine in the context of the camp, he certainly looked the part of a shooter in the drills.
His favorite player?
“Scottie Barnes,” he said quickly. “He came from where I came from. I came from the same middle school. I worked with the same coaches. He inspired me. Now, he’s in the NBA – now, I’m trying to make it with him.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes holds youth basketball camp in West Palm Beach
