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News

Basketball legends set up camp at UH

Highlights of five-day workshop include playing with stars, 
tickets to All-Star Game

by VALERIE CLIFTON
The Daily Cougar

The opportunity to be trained by professional basketball players awaits attendees of the 2006 NBA All-Star Fantasy Camp being held Thursday through Monday at the UH Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

NBA legends such as Alex English, Bobby Jones, Darryl Dawkins, Sidney Moncrief, Artis Gilmore, Calvin Murphy and former Cougar basketball player Otis Birdsong will be present to pass on their experience, skills and knowledge of the sport to the campers.

Birdsong Sports, run by Otis Birdsong's wife Deborah, coordinated the camp.

"This event is an original production of Otis Birdsong. Because of his busy schedule as president of the NBA D-League team, the Arkansas RimRockers, my company, Birdsong Sports, produces this event through a partnership with NBA Entertainment," Birdsong said.

In preparation for the camp, Birdsong has secured vendors and worked through the logistics of transporting participants from the Rec Center to the Westin Galleria Hotel.

Birdsong said that choosing UH as the location for the camp was simple.

"My husband and I are life members of the University. His picture is in Hofheinz, and his jersey has been retired there," Birdsong said. "For us, there is no other choice when making a determination regarding facilities in Houston."

Though there is a fee of $5,000 to participate in the camp, campers can expect to gain valuable experience. Campers will not only receive instruction from professional basketball players, but will also play against them. 

Upon arrival, campers will be suited with an official NBA uniform, shooting shirt and practice gear. Participants will also receive an NBA All-Star Fantasy Camp gift bag. Food, transportation, medical care and tickets to the All-Star Game will be provided to the participants.

Campers will form teams chosen by the former NBA players. The teams will be formed based on the participants' performance during drills and scrimmages Friday.

Two former pros will be assigned to each team. Teams will be announced Friday night at the NBA Welcoming Party by their respective coaches.

Campers will participate in a free throwing and a three-point-shooting contest. Awards include The Most Valuable Player, Hustle, Defensive and Inspirational Award.

Birdsong said the camp is not open to the public. However, UH students who wish to participate as campers may register at www.birdsongsports.com.
 

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