Norfolk, Va. (WAVY) — Norfolk native and retired NBA player Joe Smith has returned to his hometown to host a basketball camp.
It’s the love of the game that keeps Smith inspired to teach the next generation key skills like shooting, agility and footwork.
“Skills Giving: The gift of Skills” hit the court from 9a.m. to 1p.m. at the Kroc Center in Hampton Roads on Saturday, Nov. 16.
“The game of basketball is repetition. You always want to continue to work on your game, work on your art! That comes from just being out here on the court, continuing to do it. I’m teaching all the fundamental aspects of it. A lot of them enjoy picking it up. Even though they struggle with it at times, they still push through it. That’s what I like to see,” said Smith.
“Coach Joe Smith” is calling drills at his very own basketball camp through the Joe Smith Basketball Academy Following Smith’s retirement from the NBA after a 16-year career, he founded the Joe Smith Basketball Academy.
“I was trying to figure things out after retirement. I first started off with two players. There were two girls out in California right outside of Los Angeles. They brought a joy back to me about the game of basketball,” said Smith.
Smith was inducted into the Class of 2018 Hampton Roads Sports Hall of Fame. Now, the former NBA player is bringing the knowledge he’s gained back to the area.
He explains, “I just felt like it was something that I was put here to do. To come back here [to Norfolk] and help these kids… not just on the basketball court, but mentor and help them off the basketball court as well. We all have a journey. We all have situations that we go through. I feel like I might be able to help them through some of that.”
Despite the success Smith has experienced, he revealed he’s still a student of the game.
“I’m learning from them! They’re learning from me and we’re both having fun doing it! I really enjoy doing it,” said Smith.
Previously, Smith admitted to having a difficult transition from playing basketball to retirement. He now realizes he has a good time behind him and is working on being the best version of himself.
“It’s always an uphill battle. I don’t think you ever get to the other side once you go through some things. You always just have to try to stay positive,” said Smith.
The Joe Smith Academy spokesperson is already looking forward to hosting another camp in January.
“I tell the kids, most of these drills that you’re doing now, I was doing in the NBA as a 16-year NBA veteran. A lot of the stuff you’re going to see from now till the time you decide to stop playing the game of basketball,” said Smith.
Smith’s hope is to continue traveling around the country to teach the game of basketball while mentoring kids through the game of life.
He said, “You go through the ups and downs, just like in sports. That’s one big lesson that I teach them that you can’t quit out here because things are going to hit you in life that might make you feel like you want to quit, but you can’t quit then either. Don’t build those bad habits out here, because in life it’s going to be something that made you feel that same way that you’re going to have to push through!”