The Phoenix Suns Camps focus on the importance of sportsmanship, fundamental skill development, teamwork, and a positive attitude. Another emphasis of the camps was to provide a safe, fun and rewarding youth basketball experience where players can create a bond with the game while also learning what it takes to be successful away from the court.

This year marked the largest turnout at the Phoenix Suns Basketball Camps. Some kids traveled as far as Rhode Island to learn about the game and hone their skills. The camps were a huge success with 330 kids attending the day camp at Thunderbird High School and 280 kids at the overnight camp in Prescott.

The Phoenix Suns Camps were directed by Bill Frieder, former ASU Men’s Basketball Coach. Frieder is a veteran when it comes to summer basketball camps, having directed camps for Jason Kidd, Chris Webber and the Michael Jordan Fantasy Camp in Las Vegas. “The Suns are great to work with because their emphasis is on running a first class camp,” said Frieder. “They go the extra mile in providing Suns Alumni including current players as well as providing many giveaways.” Each camper received an official reversible camp jersey, camp T-shirt, camp gym bag, Phoenix Suns basketball, a mini-autographed basketball, and a free ticket to a Suns game. The campers had the opportunity to win contests and prizes including Shawn Marion skateboards, bobbleheads, hats and wristbands.

A number of retired Suns players made appearances at the day camp throughout the week, including Vinny Del Negro, Tim Kempton, Dan Majerle, John Shumate, Mark West, Cedric Ceballos and Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins. The highlight of the camp came when All-Star forward Shawn Marion interacted with campers and assisted with demonstrations and drills. Marion also addressed the campers ands sign autographs.

Boys and girls, ages 7 - 18, rotated to different skill stations, broke up into teams, played scrimmage games and competed with other campers within their age group. Participants specialized in basic basketball mechanics such as dribbling, defense, passing, shooting and rebounding. Campers received one-on-one instruction from a seasoned staff of former basketball players from the major high school and collegiate level. Coaches worked hard at helping each kid improve their skills and develop their overall basketball game.

At the overnight camp, Suns owner Robert Sarver took time out of his busy schedule to not only be with his two sons in Prescott but he also was on hand to coach, officiate and speak to campers about finding the right role models, playing with desire, being a team player and creating a positive attitude. “What a great environment, up in the pines, to play basketball,” said Sarver. “The counselors were wonderful with the kids. I could tell by the smiles on their faces and their positive energy that the kids had a great time.”

In honor of the late Cotton Fitzsimmons, a scholarship fund was provided for a total of 4 underprivileged children to attend the camps. Three inspiring youth basketball players had the opportunity to attend the day camp while one headed up to the cool pines of Prescott. These scholarships were established so that youth who would not otherwise have the means to afford to go to a basketball camp would share in the great learning experience that will hopefully last a lifetime.

The camps ended with a fun-filled awards ceremony including The Gorilla, Hairy and Hairy-son. At the overnight camp, Suns broadcaster Tom Leander put his basketball knowledge into practice by coaching a team. He also participated in the closing ceremony by introducing the Suns 2nd round pick Dijon Thompson to the crowd. Sarver, Frieder, Thompson, Ceballos and the “Hawk” all handed out awards in Prescott for the leagues MVP’s, coaches awards, hot shot winner, free throw winner and bump out winner for the league.

One campers mom praised about the camp by saying, “I would like to take this time to thank your organization for making it possible for my son to have 5 days of a great experience. He enjoyed himself so much that one of the 1st things he said was, ‘I want to go again next year’. He will never forget the experience and I am sure he has walked away with a memory that will last his lifetime.”

For more information about the camps, please call (602) 594-CAMP or e-mail: Camps@Suns.com.