Last week the NBA announced its early entry list for the 2015 NBA Draft, and not surprisingly of the 91 early entries there were 48 players from colleges or postgraduate institutions. Also not surprisingly is the fact that my father called me shortly after he found out about the list to tell me how there was no way all those kids leaving college early could be ready for the draft. Perhaps my dad was right, and not all the early entries in the 2015 Draft were ready; however Adidas is making sure that those eligible for the 2017 draft will be ready.
This past weekend Adidas held its Adidas Nations Camp in Atlanta, Georgia. The camp played host to 30 of the most talented members of the class of 2016, who will be eligible for the 2017 NBA Draft. Amongst the 30 talented young men there were four from our coverage area – Rawle Alkins (Brooklyn, NY), Markelle Fultz (Upper Marbolo, MD), Mustapha Heron (Waterbury, CT) & Javin DeLaurier (Charlottesville,VA).
Unlike many shoe camps that focus on five-on-five, Nations' focus was on teaching the group of talented youngster’s skills that can be used at all levels but will be particularly useful if they are to one day play in the NBA. The camp featured a staff of former NBA Head Coaches, all of whom had coached NBA All-Stars, MVP’s and future Hall of Famers. The staff also included a former NBA All-Star and college All-American.
Both days the staff spent hours emphasizing two major staples in the NBA. The first was how to properly use the pick and roll on offense and the second was how to defend it. In conjunction with the pick and roll offense, the staff taught spacing concepts as well as the fundamentals of moving on the floor. The campers were eventually allowed to play full court to reinforce what they learned, but during every timeout and every break in between games there was teaching by the Adidas staff.
Thanks to Adidas, when this group is eligible for the draft, I will be able to confidently tell my father that they are ready.
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photo courtesy of adidasuprising.com
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