Hollins And Rufus Make Class Visit

Ryan Hollins was the 50th overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. He was briefly allocated to the D-League and has to give it his all every day just to stay on an NBA roster.

On Thursday, 37 students at Derita Christian Academy considered him an All-Star. Hollins, who was accompanied by an energetic Rufus, talked extensively with the children who ranged from 4-18 years old.

“I think it’s wonderful that the Bobcats would take time out to spend it with kids,” said Shane Merrill, who serves both as the school’s principal and pastor of Northside Church of God. “There are a lot of things they could be doing. Kids are our future, but they’re also our present. For these young people to see people that succeed in life and being able to stand beside (Hollins), meet him and talk to him – that means a lot.”

Hollins answered questions about his height, strengths on the basketball court and his adjustment to Charlotte from growing up and attending college in Los Angeles. But the 22-year center also tried to inspire the students with his attitude towards life, daily motives and realization of his dream to play in the NBA.

“Being that he’s young, he’s not much older than a couple of our students,” Merrill said. “For them to see somebody that’s just a few years older so mature and so wise, it’s huge.”

The 7-0 rookie center with a keen shot blocking and leaping ability that has played in 12 games and is averaging 2.8 points this season. He tied a career-high with seven points in Charlotte’s 93-76 loss to Toronto on Saturday. Last season as a senior, his UCLA team made it to the Final Four and came within 17 points of the national championship.

“If one kid takes the advice, listens and it can help them out, then it’ll be worth it,” Hollins said. “Just to have to have fun and have a winning attitude. I’ve learned some things in my life to get where I’m at. I’ve had good people around me so if I can share that advice, it’s definitely good.”

Hollins credited experiences he at basketball camps an child that made an impression on him similar to what he hopes he made on the students at Derita Christian.

“I remember being a kid and having the opportunity to have someone come and talk to me and have some fun,” Hollins said. “Like Rufus coming in and playing around, they’ll remember that for the rest of their lives.”

Rufus started the event with a high energy mix of dancing, storytelling and various gestures to entertain the children. The mascot, who recently celebrated his fourth birthday, had someone read his life story and how he came to be Charlotte’s exclusive mascot.

“Rufus is outstanding,” Merrill, who has been with the school for nearly five years, said. “The things he can say without ever opening his mouth are wonderful.”

Derita Christian was awarded with the guest appearance by Hollins and Rufus as part of the Bobcats Cool School “Shake it for your Students In-Game Contest” presented by Harris Teeter.

Three teacher representatives danced at a recent home game for the honor of having a Bobcats guest appearance for their students. James Taylor, who recently took a job at another school, outlasted the other teachers that “couldn’t dance” with what Merrill called the “James shuffle.”

Cool School rewards students who excel in school through demonstration of their academic performance, commendable character and admirable service with various incentives through the school year, including the dancing contest. It was also part of the “Excellence in Education” program the Bobcats sponsor to improve the quality of life for children in the Greater Charlotte Area.