Former NBA and WNBA stars partnered with Tampa's Police Athletic League (PAL) on Saturday for a very special mentoring event for area youth.
- 1st ever "Full Court Press: Prep for Success" basketball and mentoring clinic
- Special collaboration with NBA and Jr. NBA Program
NBA and WNBA alums met with and worked with Tampa area kids free of charge as part of "Full Court Press: Prep for Success," a joint initiative of the NBA, Jr. NBA, Tampa's Police Athletic League, and the NBRPA (National Basketball Retired Players Association).
Former stars on hand to participate included Wayne "Tree" Rollins, Marcus Liberty, Greg Kite, Kelly Schumacher, and former Orlando Magic shooting guard Anthony Bowie.
Photo: National Basketball Retired Players Association
For Bowie, getting back on the court this time has more purpose.
"It's one of those things that ... what are you really doing when you're out there playing?" said Bowie. "That's all you're doing is playing for yourself and playing for your team. But you're not really helping anyone. And this here, it gives you a lot good feelings about yourself. You're helping kids to grow."
Photo: National Basketball Retired Players Association
About 60 kids took part in the clinic. "Full Court Press: Prep for Success" has been held in cities across the U.S. and abroad. The touring program visits more than 10 cities annually, and organizers of the Tampa event intend to bring the program back to the area in the future.