Local high school basketball stars of yesteryear came back last week for J.J. Redick’s second skills camp, which the former Cave Spring-Duke star turned NBA player (Orlando Magic) runs with his old high school coach, Billy Hicks. The pair won a state Group AAA title with the Knights when Redick was a senior, before he went on to become a two-time College Player of the Year at Duke.
Redick, now a sixth year pro for Orlando, timed the camp to coincide with his second annual J.J. Redick Celebrity Golf Classic at Ballyhack last weekend, which raised money for the Children’s Miracle Network and CHIP (Childhood Health Investment Partnership of the Roanoke Valley). Last year the first golf tourney raised more than $100,000, with $40,000 earmarked for both charities.
“Last year was a lot of fun,” said Redick, who convinced a number of current and former NBA players to compete this time. “We’ve already raised more money than last year.” A silent auction and a VIP dinner at a private home helped fill the coffers. “We’re just trying to make it a very special experience for all of these people that have been so generous.” (Donations can still be made at jjredick.com).
Redick was also “thankful,” for all of the counselors and coaches that gave up three days of their time. “It’s really a cool thing what we’ve done with this camp. What we’re doing is building community. What we’re all giving is our time.” All of the camper tuition fees are actually going to the Boys and Girls Clubs locally, where Redick is helping to start a college scholarship program.
Redick, whose younger sister Abby helped out at the camp (she plays basketball for Drexel University in Philadelphia) has transformed his body in recent years, dropping body fat and adding muscle for the long, rigorous NBA season. He has been spending most of his summer living in the SoHo section of New York City, working out with trainer Alex Cobb. Cobb was on hand to help out with workout routines at the camp last week, which was focused on middle and high school basketball players.
Counselors at the skills camp included Luke Hancock, the former Hidden Valley High School star who spent two years at George Mason University before transferring to Louisville. Hancock, who will play for head coach Rick Pitino, sat out last season as per the NCAA rules on transferring but is ready to go this fall.
“Last year was tough,” said Hancock, who had to sit as the Cardinals advanced all the way to the Final Four. He made the trips with the team, but missed being out on the court. “I haven’t had that experience in a long, long time.” Hancock sank a winning three pointer for George Mason in the NCAA playoffs two years ago, his collegiate highlight to date. “I can’t wait to be back out there.”
He has two years of eligibility left and “couldn’t be happier,” about his decision to transfer. “I feel like I will be playing for the best coach in the country,” said the shooting guard/small forward. He was named a team captain for Louisville despite never having played a game to date.
Also on hand was former Cave Spring standout Josh Henderson, a 7-footer who helped Hicks win two more state titles (at the Group AA level) before he went on to Vanderbilt. Henderson, who has been sidetracked by foot problems over the past few seasons, was sporting a boot on his left foot last week, which he still has to wear part of the time.
Henderson came back too early from a previous foot problem and had to undergo surgery; pool therapy has been part of Henderson’s rehab regimen. “While my foot hurts I’m trying to work on everything else,” said Henderson last week. He had surgery four months ago and expects to start running on the basketball court in a few weeks
“I should be good to go for games [this fall]. We kind of rushed it the first time.” Henderson, who said he expects to start if he’s healthy, has three years of college eligibility left. At the skills camp he worked with some of the taller post players. It was nice said Henderson to keep up with former teammates like Clay Lacy and coach Billy Hicks via Redick’s skills camp. “I grew up with these guys,” he noted.
“These guys are getting an unbelievable experience,” said Hicks about the skills camp. “The fact that [Redick] spends so much time out on the floor with them, lecturing them every day, “it’s been an amazing experience for these kids.”