WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – Kenny Gattison made it to the big leagues and is now sharing his knowledge with the next generation.
Gattison was drafted into the NBA in 1986. He played for three teams throughout his NBA career, however, he spent most of his time playing for the Charlotte Hornets.
Gattison grew up in Wilmington, went to New Hanover High School and then continued his education at Old Dominion University.
Today, Gattison runs the Kenny Gattison Basketball Camp and his own non-profit Help Us Help Them.
Gattison is hosting his basketball camp at the Ogden YMCA from June 17-21. He says the end goal is not only to teach kids about basketball but teach them life lessons that can be used on and off the court.
He says kids learn about the importance of kindness, respect, and the value of getting a good education.
“I just want to be an inspiration,” said Gattison. “One of these little boys or one of these little girls they are going to say, ‘Well if Coach Gat went all the way then I can do it too.’”
He says although the kids learn and play basketball while at the camp, he wants to encourage kids they’ll be successful at whatever they set their minds to; whether it’s being a professional athlete or working a job that serves the community.
“It’s not just about playing the game and teaching the game. It’s about how you treat one another, and how you talk to one another. You knock somebody down, you help them up,” said Gattison.
The camp is not free to participate in, however, Gattison says he is paying for a few kids from the Boys and Girls Club to attend the camp for free. He says growing up his family could not afford to pay for summer camps.
“Being a kid from Wilmington, I just want to make sure I am doing my part,” said Gattison.
“I feel like Coach Kenny is a good Coach and he focuses on fundamentals and stuff you need to get better and not just playing basketball,” said Alihondro Greene, one of the participants in the camp.
Gattison says he hopes to host more events in Wilmington throughout the summer. He says he hopes to reach as many kids as possible.
“It’s just a way for me to give back to my community,” said Gattison ”I never met or saw a professional athlete until I was in the NBA, that’s why I want to be a living, breathing inspiration to them because there is nothing more encouraging to see somebody that walked the same path you walked and is successful.”
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