NBA stars host kids basketball camp

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -

NBA New York Nicks player Jerian Grant hosted a basketball camp for kids at the Kroc Center in South Bend over the weekend.

“I just wanted to come back, give back to a community that took me in and made me feel at home,” said Grant.

Grant spent time in South Bend when he played college basketball for the University of Notre Dame.

Kids ages 7-14 attended the weekend camp where they learned all about how to play basketball.

Grant had some help from a few famous friends including Orlando Majic Player Victor Oladipo and Pat Connaughton of the Portland Trail Blazers. Grant’s brother Jerami Grant of the Philadelphia 76ers and their father, former Washington Wizards player Harvey Grant.

“This is the best thing I think I’ve ever done in my life. It was awesome meeting all the players and getting to play with them and have fun with them and it was just the greatest thing,” said 14-year-old Bailey.

“To be able to come out here and help him give back to the kids in this area and change their lives in a special way means a lot to me and it’s a humbling experience,” said Oladipo.

“I think once you see people that have made it to where you want to get to it’s kind of easier to figure out what you need to do to get there,” said Jerami Grant.

Jerami says he hopes the kids learn a lot more than just basketball techniques

“Just being here and being able to mentor the young kids I think it definitely touches them, its something they won’t forget for the rest of their lives,” said Jerami Grant.

The kids say seeing hearing how their favorite players achieved their dreams was inspiring.

“It just kind of gives you inspiration that you can do anything. It doesn’t matter your upbringing, doesn’t matter where you come from, you can always do what you want to do,” said 13-year-old Reid.

Grant plans to host another basketball camp in South Bend next year, click here for more information.