Richard Hamilton may not have been the most well-known former NBA star in Montreal, but as of Wednesday, around sixty young basketball players know very well who he is.
• Also read: NBA: The memory of a “shy and independent” Luguentz Dort
The former 2004 champion Detroit Pistons took time to mentor teenagers ages 14 to 17 during an event at Tangerine Bank Community Gymnasium in the Bell Center.
“It was a great experience. I didn’t know Richard Hamilton, but I’m going to research him on the internet!” started Mathis Deugoue.
The member of the Pagé basketball program also won the trophy, which rewarded the person who performed best in practice.
Mathis Deugoue received the trophy for best performance Wednesday during a basketball clinic at the Bell Center. Photo agency QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Throughout the course, Mathis and the other young people were able to train with Hamilton, who was invited to the NBA All-Star Game three times. At the end of the session they received a short motivational message.
“I told them not to let anyone stop them from achieving their goals,” explained the man nicknamed “Rip.” In addition, if they want to play basketball, they must start at the base and not skip steps. I know many people watch videos on social media and see impressive movements. But we must not try to imitate them, we must return to the basics of the sport. If we work, good things will happen.”
I’ve never had an experience like this
On his first visit to Montreal, Hamilton was impressed by the caliber of Quebec’s little giants.
“The young people were good, we had fun. “Some asked questions, which is good because a lot of teenagers don’t talk much,” noted the 45-year-old American.
The man who also wore the colors of the Washington Wizards and Chicago Bulls occasionally engages in this type of activity.
“When I was young, I never experienced a day like this and I really wanted to see a professional athlete give back to the community. If I can inspire them, whether it’s basketball or life in general, that’s fantastic,” Hamilton said.
A surprise
A nice surprise awaited Mathis Deugoue and his teammates of the day at the end of the event: they were all invited to attend the friendly game between the Quebecer Luguentz Dort’s Oklahoma City Thunder and the Pistons on Thursday evening at the Bell Center on the same floor where they went.
See the young people’s reaction in this video: