Photogallaries:

2008 Photo Gallery 1 | 2008 Photo Gallery 2 | 2008 Photo Gallery 3

July 31: Wildwood, NJ

The 76ers Summer Hoops Tour ended the week at the Wildwood Crest site on Thursday morning, marking the final shore trip of the summer. The Summer Hoops Tour has always been a hit in Wildwood and it was certainly anticipated by all of the attendants who have participated in past years.

"I have a six-year-old who's here and who was here last year and he loves it," said Sandra Dell. "[The Summer Hoops Tour] is making him love basketball. He’s a hockey player so this is turning him on to basketball."

July 29: Atlantic City, NJ

Tuesday’s second 76ers Summer Hoops Tour was at another shore location, and the destination was at the Atlantic City Boys and Girls Club.

"With this program right here, it looks like [the kids] are getting a lot of energy out of it, [a lot of] positive energy," said Dafiq Rasheed, the computer instructor at the Boys and Girls Club. "They have good role models coming out to show them that these people do care and they’re giving back their time which allow the kids to appreciate it."

Coach Derrick, Manager of Live Events, scored on his famous behind-the-back-under-the-leg lay-up during his introduction for the second straight week. After Sixers Ambassador and Director of Player Development World B. Free, Sixers radio play-by-play broadcaster Tom McGinnis and the Sixers counselors went over all the required basketball fundamentals, all the children were broken up into stations and each group participated in shooting, passing, dribbling, defensive and conditioning drills.

July 29: Avalon, NJ

With a week full of numerous shore trips, the 76ers Summer Hoops Tour kicked everything off with a visit to the Avalon Recreational Department on Tuesday morning.

The day's all-star cast included Sixers Ambassador and Director of Player Development World B. Free, Sixers radio play-by-play broadcaster Tom McGinnis and the Sixers counselors. In addition to this remarkable lineup, the inflatable Hip-Hop even made a guest appearance.

"The kids got a really personal experience with World [B. Free] and all the coaches today," said Sixers Summer Hoops Tour coach Mariah Clarke. "[The camp] was all very hands on and [the kids] were able to really absorb what the Sixers were trying to do."

July 24: Pleasantville, NJ

The Pleasantville Rec Center, which has hosted the Summer Hoops Tour dating back to its inception, held an abundant amount of kids on this day who were all eager to learn about basketball from Sixers Ambassador World B. Free and the Sixers counselors.

The Pleasantville Rec Center, which has hosted the Summer Hoops Tour dating back to its inception, held an abundant amount of kids on this day who were all eager to learn about basketball from Sixers Ambassador World B. Free and the Sixers counselors.

"It’s an experience [the children] will never forget and the skills that they learn, I’m sure most of them will take them and apply them to their everyday life," said Superintendent of Recreation Debbie Washington. "It’s a good listening tool; it teaches the kids how to listen to their counselors and it’s something that they enjoy doing every year."

July 23: Ridley, PA

The 76ers Summer Hoops Tour stopped at Ridley High School on Wednesday afternoon for the fourth camp in three days. It was an action-packed day that consisted of various basketball drills and fundamentals in which all the children took part in.

"This is a great opportunity for kids to come to a free clinic and see a little basketball, to get a feel for basketball," said Peter O’Keefe.

One of the highlights of the day was when Coach Derrick, Manager of Live Events, scored on a behind-the-back-under-the-leg layup during his introduction. Overall, it was a fun and exciting day for everyone at the event.

July 22: Philadelphia, PA

Tuesday’s stop at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church marked the third 76ers Summer Hoops Tour in two days.

World B. Free, Ambassador of Sixers Basketball, and the Summer Hoops Tour coaching staff taught the children all the basic fundamentals of basketball. From shooting to conditioning, it was a fun and exciting day for everyone.

"It brings television to reality," said Youth Director Tracy Thomas on the impact of the Summer Hoops Tour. "You have some people that just see [World B. Free and Hip-Hop] on TV, [and the Sixers] bring them to life and let them know that they care about the young people here in the community."

July 21: Trenton, NJ

On a humid day in the middle of July, the 76ers Summer Hoops Tour traveled to Caldwater Park, marking the second and final trip of the day. The participation and interaction from the crowd made everyone forget about the scorching heat. World B. Free, Tom McGinnis, Hip-Hop and the Summer Hoops Tour coaches all made it a day to remember for everyone in attendance.

"Despite the heat, the kids had a lot of fun," said Summer Hoops Tour coach Meryl Binder. "[The kids] got to experience a new day in their regular camp schedule. They learned basketball fundamentals from the Summer Hoops Tour coaches and [they got] to interact with World B. Free and Tom McGinnis."

July 21: Yardville, NJ

The 76ers Summer Hoops Tour kicked off the first of two clinics on Monday at the Mercer County CYO in New Jersey. World B. Free, Ambassador of Sixers Basketball, and Tom McGinnis, Sixers radio play-by-play announcer, were the two feature emcees who addressed the children at the site. After the Summer Hoops Tour coaches performed the shooting, dribbling, passing, conditioning and defensive drills, the children were brought onto the court to go through each basketball exercise.

"This is an inspiration,” said Tom Mladenetz, Executive Director of the CYO. “It’s something [the children] look forward to. It’s one of the highlights of the summer every year that the Sixers have been here. The kids love it; they circle that day on their calendar."

July 17: Fairless Hills, PA

The 76ers Summer Hoops Tour wrapped up the third week of July with an early morning stop at the Lower Bucks YMCA on Thursday. Sixers Ambassador World B. Free and Sixers radio play-by-play announcer Tom McGinnis addressed the attendants on the various fundamentals of basketball. After each session was explained thoroughly, groups of children were brought onto the court to perform the drills.

“[The children] are learning how to play sports, they’re learning how to sit and be respectful while people are talking; it’s a great experience,” said Marie Walther.

During a competitive five-on-five game between the Sixers counselors and YMCA counselors, Coach Charles took over the game and helped lead the Sixers to victory.

“[The Sixers] are not just about putting people in the seats, they’re about helping the community also,” said Walther.

July 17: Cherry Hill, NJ

After a bright and early start in Fairless Hills, PA on Thursday, the 76ers Summer Hoops Tour crossed over to New Jersey for the second camp of the day at Challenge Grove Park.

It was a perfect way to end the week as World B. Free, Tom McGinnis and the Sixers counselors all helped the children improve their overall strengths on the court.

“As far as the children and even our counselors here, this is something we will never forget,” said Carrie Sunshine, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Triple Threat Basketball Camp. “It’s a life-changing experience for everybody and [the ability of the Sixers to provide this to the children] is top notch.”

July 15: Exton, PA

The Lionville Community YMCA was the host for the second 76ers Summer Hoops Tour this week, on Tuesday morning. The entire crowd was filled with excitement and enthusiasm from beginning to end.

The children listened attentively as World B. Free and the Sixers counselors guided them through various drills relating to shooting, dribbling, passing, defense and conditioning. Towards the end of the event, a five-on-five game was put on between the YMCA counselors and the Summer Hoops Tour coaches. Coach Meghan’s game-winning jumper gave the Sixers the victory, 7-2.

“It was great,” said YMCA counselor John Scott on the Summer Hoops Tour. “The kids were interacting with each other and also they learned a lot about teamwork and sportsmanship.”

July 14: Pottstown, PA

World B. Free and the 76ers Summer Hoops Tour traveled to Pottstown High School, on Monday afternoon, for a two o’clock start. Among the numerous fundamentals that were taught to the children, Free, the Ambassador of the Sixers and a top 50 scorer in NBA history, instructed the children on the proper mechanics of shooting.

"I think it’s a great program," said Sue Mickletz on the Summer Hoops Tour. "My daughter is in basketball so she is learning new techniques. I think it was organized and it was fun."

From the inflatable Hip-Hop to the Summer Hoops Tour coaches, the day was packed with fun and exciting entertainment.

"It’s great that [the Sixers] give back like this," said Mickletz. "It’s great for the kids and that’s what it’s all about."

July 9: Philadelphia, PA

The Fox Chase Recreational Center was the site of the Summer Hoops Tour on Wednesday morning. Just like every stop, the Summer Hoops Tour brought fun and excitement to a packed gym, located in the Northeast. Among the attendants on Wednesday, the camp director emphasized that there is a significant difference between a normal basketball practice and the Summer Hoops Tour.

"I think it’s a big difference because [the children] see all those guys on TV and when they’re right in their face it's huge for them," said Lauren Gormley. "Seeing Hip-Hop and World B. Free gives [the children] role models to look up to and they see all the coaches and that’s something they would want to do when they get older."

In addition to Sixers Ambassador World B. Free, Tom McGinnis, the Sixers radio play-by-play announcer, made an appearance at the facility. A former basketball player himself, McGinnis took the floor and assisted Free in teaching the principles of basketball.

July 7: Philadelphia, PA

After a long holiday weekend consisting of fireworks, the beach and most importantly our Nation’s birthday, the Summer Hoops Tour kicked the week off bright and early with a trip to the JCC Klein Branch on Monday morning.

In front of a packed gym, World B. Free, the Sixers camp coaches and even the inflatable Hip-Hop made it a day to remember for everyone in attendance. Shooting, passing, dribbling and defense were all covered at the site. The Sixers organization has been praised for its admirable commitment in giving back to the community.

"[This camp] is a good thing because now I really want to take my child to a Sixers game because [they’re] doing a really good job," said Mariepaule Laventure, a clinic attendant.

With four more camps over the course of this week, the Summer Hoops Tour will be busy teaching the fundamentals of basketball to various groups in a number of cities and towns.

June 30: Lansdowne, PA

The Summer Hoops Tour traveled to Penn Wood High School on Monday, marking the final trip for the month of June. It was an exciting day that consisted of fundamentals, basic basketball tips on the hardwood, prizes and even a five-on-five game between the Sixers’ counselors and the Penn Wood children.

Coach Meghan taught the children how to shoot the conventional jump shot, Coach Anthony preached the principles of defense and the inflatable Hip-Hop even made a guest appearance.

“I think [this clinic] is great,” said Mary Washington. “Some kids may not even get the opportunity to do anything like this, so I think this is a great thing.”

A week and a half into the schedule, the Summer Hoops Tour has already made a significant impact in the community. July and August are right around the corner!

June 26: Oxford, PA

The 76ers Summer Hoops Tour traveled to Oxford Area High School on Thursday, marking the third official trip of the summer. It was an exciting event not only for the children, but also for the Sixers staff and World B. Free. Free, the team ambassador, taught the kids numerous fundamentals about basketball. From offense to defense, it was an overall great experience for the kids to learn key basketball concepts from a former NBA All-Star.

“I’ve been having camp all week with my kids and [the Sixers] coming in here really supports what I’ve been teaching them,” said Athletic Director Sean Harvey.

Following the fundamentals and drills, a halfcourt five-on-five game was set up between Oxford and the Summer Hoops Tour coaches. After a contested battle, the Sixers coaches prevailed and won the game 5-2. At the end of the day, the children received prizes courtesy of the Sixers.

June 24: Camden, NJ

The 76ers Summer Hoops Tour made its first official trip to New Jersey on Tuesday, when it teamed up with NBA Cares at the Boys and Girls Club located in Camden. The Marjorie & Lewis Katz Clubhouses, which has taken care of over 2,800 kids in the Camden County area, was the location of a massive NBA workshop that attracted hundreds of people.

From NBA Hall of Famer Bob Lanier to current NBA players, Tuesday was a day that the kids in Camden will never forget. The children learned tips on shooting from Thaddeus Young, rebounding from Andre Iguodala and some were fortunate enough to learn a couple dance steps from Jason Smith.

“I’ve done the Summer Hoops Tour for many years,” said Sixers radio broadcaster Tom McGinnis. “You see these little kids who are so impressionable and they get such a kick out of it.”

To wrap up this already exciting day, Summer Hoops Tour coach and Hare Raiser, Blaze, slammed down a couple acrobatic dunks off of a trampoline for the crowd. One of the dunks even included flipping over Andre Iguodala!

Watch the Video!

June 23: 26th and Masters, Philadelphia, PA

With over 20 stops this summer, the 76ers Summer Hoops Tour journeyed to the Athletic Field in North Philadelphia, on Monday, for the very first clinic this summer. In addition to World B. Free and the Summer Hoops Tour coaches, Jason Smith and Herbert Hill made guest appearances and instructed the kids on various basketball fundamentals. This successful stop in North Philadelphia already set the bar for the rest of the summer.

“This summer is going to be special, every summer is always great because you meet different kids and different people,” said Free. “Something new happens every year that makes us cherish each stop on the tour.”

The coaches educated the kids in all areas such as shooting, dribbling, passing, defense and conditioning. The newly refurbished courts, located on 26th and Masters, were a generous donation from the Sixers, Toyota and the City of Philadelphia Department of Recreation as part of Playground Rebound.