By: KeTara Wells and Briana Hill
HOUSTON — What’s hot in Houston? Well, since you’ve asked!
Hundreds of kids flooded the MI3 Center in Houston on June 23 for the James Harden Basketball ProCamp. In partnership with Kroger and BBVA Compass, the camp hosted over 300 kids ranging from grades 1-12 for a two-day camp.
Harden and his family made it their mission to ensure that the camp was a success by focusing on the importance of not only basketball fundamentals, but the importance of self-worth and dream chasing that the youth tend to struggle with.
“While everyone may not be a basketball star, it’s important for children to understand their talent and run with it. God gives us gifts or talent for a reason. Basketball has its procedures, trainings and fundamentals just like any other career,” Harden’s mother, Monja Willis, said.
During the two-day camp, owner Wallie Vickers focused on the importance of team building and why it is vital for the youth to step outside of their comfort zone and meet other children who come from similar backgrounds.
Vickers stressed that it is not always about competition alone, but enjoying the pleasures of one’s craft.
“Having that experience with a pro, and having a pro like James Harden? It’s easy to execute,” he said.
Aside from the camp, Harden weighed in on some rumors regarding former Oklahoma City Thunder player Kevin Durant and his consideration in joining the Houston Rockets.
“I’m going to try. He’s one of my really good friends,” he said. “He has a big decision to make.”
Harden continued, “I obviously would love for him to play here in Houston, but ultimately he’s got to make the best decision for his career, whatever that is.”
He even got down to nitty gritty, yes we said “nitty gritt” when he spoke about the Rockets possibly reclaiming their “Clutch City” throne.
“Last year was very frustrating, as an organization in Houston,” Harden said. “So for me, I think trying to get our winning ways back – back to the championship ways – just being a part of that free agency process trying to get guys to Houston and trying to win. That right now is something I’m trying to focus on.”
