Thunder Open Dreams With Fit Clinic
by Jimmy Do | okcthunder.com Photography by Zach Beeker (OKC Thunder)Thunder Fit Clinic is presented by Homeland
He lifted his right hand and held up a finger. “One!” Moments later, both hands were in the air raising seven fingers. “Seven!” Positioned at the top of the key on court facing the baseline, Thunder forward Domas Sabonis was flashing number signals with his fingers at random to make sure all eyes were on him. Bearing the look of concentration etched on the faces before him, a cohort of middle school students called out the number they saw accordingly while navigating around the cones during a dribbling drill inside the gym at Central Junior High School in Moore. The exercise reinforced ball-handlers to keep their heads up while maintaining control of the ball. With Sabonis conducting the drill, every loose ball was met with words of encouragement while hand claps of praise followed every successful completion.
Sabonis alongside teammates Enes Kanter, Joffrey Lauvergne, Cameron Payne and Andre Roberson made a surprise visit to lead workouts with 70 students at a Thunder Fit clinic on Thursday afternoon. Although the purpose of the drills was rooted in hoops fundamentals, the interactions for the boys and girls on hand yielded the residual benefits that extended beyond basketball. “It’s a great one-on-one experience for these kids to see these guys are relatable, high-fiving them and telling them ‘great job,’” said Nikki Gayler, Central Junior High physical education teacher.
And because of this unique opportunity for the students to work with Thunder players, Sabonis understood how pivotal lending his voice was in shaping their development for now and whatever endeavors hold in their futures. “When they’re this young, we really influence them,” said Sabonis. “It can open kids’ dreams to pursue a sport.”
From jumping jacks to roundball exercises mixed in with talks on food and nutrition, the afternoon was thick with vim and vigor as the students came away with not only memories, but also lessons to unlock their potential.
1-2-3...TOGETHER! Roberson: “Getting kids out there and getting them active. It’s fun to interact with them and share that experience.” | Instagram video
Domas and Joffrey create memories. Gayler: "It’s the highlight of their year getting to see these guys, shoot with them and hang out for that time. It’s something they’re going to have for the rest of their lives and these guys will never know how much it impacts them."
Payne's pregame meal. The Murray State product talks about what he eats before a game, which includes salads along with chicken and streak for protein. “Always wanted to just pick the ball up and play,” said Payne. “I never cared about what I wanted to eat or had to eat. But now it’s very important.”
Lacing up with Lauvergne. Lauvergne lowers his 6-foot-11 frame to help a young roundballer tie his sneakers at the cardio station.
Dribbling With Domas. Sabonis makes sure ball-handlers keep their heads up and eyes on him during a dribbling drill.
Block party fun. 8th grader Braxton Maldonaldo (right): “I think it’s generous. Most schools don’t get to hang out with Thunder players. It really helps because some kids don’t get it stuck in their heads they need to be healthy. To have stars come out really sticks with them."
“These kids absolutely love it. It’s something they don’t get to experience every day. It allows them to know that their goals and accomplishments can be achieved if they put their mind to it,” said Jason Trump, Central Junior High teacher’s assistant.
Watch: Teammates Help Students Get Thunder Fit