Detroit Pistons To Hold First "Pistons Academy" Youth Basketball Camp

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons announced today that the club will hold its inaugural “Pistons Academy” youth basketball camp for boys and girls grades 2-9 at Cross of Christ Church (1100 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI) from August 20-24. The camp will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily and will be led by “Pistons Academy” co-directors Geo Thomas and Aaron Smith, who bring a combined 35 years of youth camp instruction and coaching experience. Youngsters wishing to participate can register at the door on Monday, August 20.

“We are excited host our inaugural Pistons Academy youth basketball camp and look forward four great days at Cross of Christ Church,” said Geo Thomas, Pistons Director of Fan Development. “A great week is planned and we look forward to helping youngsters strengthen their basketball fundamentals while also reinforcing core character values and sportsmanship.”

The price for the four-day camp is $220 and will include appearances by Pistons’ 2012 second round draft selection Kim English, legend and former Bad-Boy Rick Mahorn as well as game-night performers Hooper, the Pistons Drumline and the Pistons Flight Crew.

The newly created “Pistons Academy” will provide high-quality youth basketball programming that includes basketball camps, clinics, tournaments and leagues at various host sites throughout the state of Michigan. The academy will also host multiple clinics for coaches throughout year along with a referee training program. Boys and girls in grades 7-9 can also take part in an internship and training program to become instructors and strong leaders within the youth programs. Aaron Smith, Director or Year-Round Hoops for the Detroit Pistons and PS&E, will continue to execute his school assembly program under the new “Pistons Academy” umbrella.

For more information on “Pistons Academy” and upcoming dates for camps, clinics and events, visit www.pistons.com/pistonsacademy or call 248-377-0100.