Tennessee head coach Donnie Tyndall and his basketball team are hosting a series of camps this summer, giving attendees a different taste of what the summer can be.
Last week was the first of two Fundamental Skills Camp for Kindergarten through 8th grade students.
The Fundamental Skills Camps are four-day camps that consist of competitive and fun drills designed to improve each camper’s skill and knowledge of the game.
Each day, campers are able to interact with current Tennessee coaches and players who man stations, demonstrate drills, and speak about what it takes to be great on and off the court.
Both Tyndall and players recalled the fun of camp as children.
“I remember as a young guy growing up cutting lawns and picking blueberries, believe it or not, to save enough money to go to camp and it was the best part of my summer each and every summer,” Tyndall said. “I want to give back to these young people who I know are looking forward to camp all summer long. It’s a great opportunity to help them get better and help them to improve and just have a great week and enjoy themselves. It’s a special time for me and my staff.”
Senior guard Josh Richardson said he looks forward to participating in fundamentals camp every summer
“I remember when I was younger and I was going to basketball camp,” Richardson said. “Getting to meet college basketball players was a big thing for me. I’ve been in their shoes and I just want to make it as fun as I can for them.”
Sophomore guard Robert Hubbs said fundamentals camp means as much to him as it does the campers.
“I know when I was a little kid my dad used to take me to basketball camps and just looking up to college players that would maybe be pros one day was great,” Hubb said. “I just want to help them and to see their excitement coming out here. I’m just trying to teach them the game of basketball.”
“It’s been a good time. I like doing the 5-on-5 scrimmages,” said camper Hunter Watts, who was coached by former player Cameron Tatum.
Watts said he most enjoyed meeting and working with current players.
“It’s cool getting to know them and experiencing what they do in their workout drills,” Watts said.
The camp has challenged Watts to improve his basketball game.
“I’m not as good working with my left hand,” Watts said. “So its good that they have challenged me to work with my left hand and that has made my left hand even better.”
In the midst of their own summer workouts, the Tennessee players and coaching staff hosted one more fundamental camp, a father/son camp on June 8, and will host an intense skills camp for high school students on August 31.
For more information, visit www.tennesseesportcamps.com.
