Phoenix Suns host annual Basketball camp for youth

July 7, 2023

Emma Hughes 

Gila River Indian News

The Phoenix Suns, in partnership with the Gila River Indian Community, hosted two week-long basketball camps for youths ages 6-17 the first at Thunderbird High School in Phoenix and the second at Williams Field High School in Gilbert. 

Over 200 youths participated in the camp this year, including ten from the Gila River Indian Community.  The camps offer one-on-one instruction in a safe and positive environment for everyone to learn more about the sport.

Open to experienced and inexperienced players, the camp allows players to play basketball and learn from trained coaches from high school, collegiate and professional levels.  Through guided exercises and drills, youth developed their experiences and helped others gain valuable foundational skills.

Over the course of the week, participants go over drills, learn offense and defense work, teamwork, review educational videos, and hear from guest speakers.

Players were categorized based on age and skill level during the week’s activities.  The event concluded with an award ceremony and a meet and greet with Phoenix Suns player Damion Lee at the Williams Field High School gymnasium.

During his visit, Lee shared his start in basketball and how it kept him busy during his childhood, he thanked the youth for coming out to the camp and taking the time to learn and acquire new skills.  Lee also signed autographs and took photos with all the youth participating in the camp.