By Brandon Robinson
Young hoops players in Queens got a chance to learn about basketball and the daily grind of the NBA from New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony over the weekend.
Anthony’s two-day ProCamp, held in Queens College’s Fitzgerald Gym, hosted more than 500 youngsters from first through 12th grades.
“It’s more than just a basketball camp. It gives kids the opportunity to actually look forward to doing something in the summertime,” the NBA star said.
The children said they were happy to attend the program.
“First, I like the camp because it teaches you, second because it has Carmelo and third because it’s the best,” said 8-year-old Elijah Ayala.
During Citi Camp Melo, Anthony played pickup games, signed autographs, took a multitude of pictures and fielded questions from inquisitive children.
“I like to be in an intimate setting with my campers, show some social humor with them and show some personality with them because this is a moment that they will never forget,” he said.
Anthony, a five-time all-star who averaged 28.6 points per game this season, was joined by several high school and college coaches, like St. Francis Prep’s girls’ basketball assistant Coach Kevin Wagner, in leading the camp.
“I think it’s great because the kids get to see somebody who put in a lot of hard work and is dedicated to the game,” Wagner said. “They’re able to see that hard work and dedication pays off.”
Last year’s program was held at St. John’s University, and this year the two-day workshop was moved to Queens College to accommodate more campers.
“This setting is a little bit more intimate than it was at St. Johns,” Anthony said.
The Knicks forward didn’t participate as a child himself while growing up.
“I wish I had this when I was young,” he said.
Anthony said he was pleased that the children got some physical activity by playing basketball during the camp.
“It’s important to keep kids active,” he said. “Nowadays it’s hard to get kids out of the house due to video games and technology, so for me to do a basketball camp that was a no-brainer.”
The summer has been busy for Anthony and his team. Anthony recently visited China along with Los Angeles Clippers Chris Paul and Blake Griffin for the Jordan Flight Tour.
The Knicks also traded Steve Novak and Marcus Camby in July for forward Andrea Bargnani and signed Queensbridge native Metta World Peace.
“To have him on our team right now just brings more toughness to our team and more of a defensive presence,” Anthony said.
During the camp, Anthony also addressed a report by ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith that he would opt out of his contract with the Knicks after this season.
“My mind has not even thought about next off season right now,” he said.
