ATLANTA — An NBA player who graduated from Pace Academy in Atlanta is giving back to his community by hosting a free basketball camp on Saturday.
Channel 2′s Heather Catlin recently caught up with him to learn the inspiration for holding this camp.
NBA player Wendell Carter Jr. is a pro athlete but his goal is to teach kids to be a pro at life.
At his free basketball camp, he obviously teaches hoop skills, but he also requires the kids to participate in classroom education programs, learning about African American studies and financial literacy.
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“I feel like in the school system in particular we shy away from that, especially early on,” Carter said.
Carter set up his non-profit Platform Squared to provide kids and families with educational programs and tools to advance their quality of life.
This is the second year hosting the one-day basketball camp for 8th through 12th graders.
His motto is to teach kids to be pros in life.
“Doing the things that are uncomfortable, doing the things you know you have to do that you may not want to do in order to succeed at life.
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The Orlando Magic playmaker is a proven athlete on the hardwood, but says education is the base of his success.
“When you stimulate your mind that’s something that no one can ever take with you. That’s something my mom and dad were telling me growing up,” Carter said. “If this basketball thing don’t work out, we know you are good because you were at the top of your class. you’ll figure it out for yourself.”
It’s something the Duke student preaches to the children.
Carter said his parents inspired him to establish the foundation and said his main desire is to help future generations.
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