Over 130 campers, wearing "Redz Kidz" T-shirts at the Cavs basketball camp at Lake Erie College got a thrill this week when Delonte told plenty of childhood stories and reminded the kids how much hard work they have to put in to reach their goals. Delonte told the campers, "you put 20% in, you get 20% out", as the young b-ballers hung on every word. One camper told me he'll now give 110% every practice after Delonte's motivational talk.
The Cavs guard admitted to the kids he was very introverted as a youngster, but refused to let that shyness effect him on the court, where his personality grew. He added, while he maybe didn't say much, he was always "thinking" the game, and that of course has led to how he plays the game to this day.
The campers had plenty of questions like when did Delonte first learn to dunk. He related a story of how he was frustrated as a young teen, that he couldn't jump high enough, and so his coach said you have to strengthen your calf muscles first. So, that summer, before Delonte would go to bed each night, he would do calf raises on each of the 12 steps going to the second floor - 100 on each step! By the time the new season rolled around he was exploding and touching the glass!
The campers kept firing questions at Delonte, including "can I have your phone number?" Delonte chuckled at that one, and said, "no, I'd better not, but you can be my friend"...in fact, "we're all friends now". I know 130 kids who will be able to brag about their latest pal.
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I currently attend Lake Erie College where i play baseball, I got the chance to meet Delonte the other day and he is a great guy off the court. I think its great that Cavs players take time out of their lives to teach the great game of basketball to the young players with the same dreams that they had when they were growing up.
Ring4theKingIts also great publicity to the college itself when such successful camps with professional athletes and role models are going on in town. Hopefully these camps will continue to have their success.
03:55 PM EST