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Bobcats Host Basketball Clinic at Idlewild Elementary
Malinda Murray/bobcats.com
Muggsy Bogues teaches ball handling at the clinic.
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By Malinda Murray
bobcats.com
March 21, 2008
Playing the game of basketball should be about having fun and on Friday afternoon, 100 students at Idlewild Elementary had a blast when Bobcats center Ryan Hollins along with team ambassador and former NBA great Muggsy Bogues stopped by.
“Most of these students here are from our Latino population,” explained Sharon Stiles, an ESL teacher at the school who helped coordinate the visit. “They are in our ESL after school program or they attend ESL classes here and they have been so excited this week.”
The visit was held in conjunction with the Bobcats Latin American Night and was part of the team’s continuing effort to promote healthy lifestyles in kids throughout the Charlotte region.
“We came out here - the Bobcats organization, myself, Ryan Hollins and the rest of the staff - to give a basketball clinic,” explained Bogues as he shared some of his knowledge about the game with the students. “It was very good for us to come out here and share some of our insights in the game of basketball.”
One of the insights that Bogues shared was the proper way to dribble.
“What do you use to dribble a basketball?” he asked a group of eager students.
“You use your fingers,” he explained as he dribbled the basketball around his legs. “If you use your palm you can’t control the ball.”
The students then got into the act with each of them taking a turn using their fingers to move the ball back and forth between their hands and then using that same technique as they began to dribble the ball on the floor.
While Bogues was busy demonstrating ball control, Hollins was teaching another group about defense.
“You have to slide,” he said as he showed them how to move side to side on the court. “Don’t turn and run or someone will go right by you.”
The smiles couldn’t be wiped off the kids’ faces as they followed Hollins’ lead, working on correct defensive positions.
The students also had the opportunity to learn about passing and shooting at two additional stations.
“It’s very important,” said Bogues as he explained why the Bobcats conduct clinics like this. “It’s something that builds their self-esteem. Some of these kids truly might not be interested in the game of basketball, but (it’s good) just to have a group of kids together and participating in activities and doing skills with us. It’s always good to try to give a positive message. Idlewild Elementary is doing a wonderful job of teaching the kids. We try to come in here on the lighter side and share our views about what the game means to us.”
Regardless of the activity they were involved in, the one thing that remained constant throughout the afternoon was the excitement that filled the room.
“One of their assignments today was to have fun and they have had so much,” remarked Stiles. “We thank the Bobcats so much for making that possible.”
Doing events like this is just one of the things that Hollins enjoys about being an NBA player.
“I love doing it,” he explained. “The kids just bring so much energy and they’re so genuine. I love every appearance and especially doing stuff with kids.”
Visits like these mean everything to the kids as they create experiences they will treasure forever.
“This will be a memory that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” said Stiles.
“It’s wonderful,” Hollins remarked. “People might not think too much of it, but the kids think the world of it. They might not forget this experience for the rest of their lives. Watching their faces brighten up, it means everything.”
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