Ben Hunt, who directs the Dallas Mavericks’ arm of youth basketball, said it has been a remarkable few months.
The Mavs’ late playoff push meant the franchise jumped straight into summer camps without any break, unlike previous seasons. The Mavs Academy also hosts dance and gaming camps each summer.
“We started on May 31 in Keller and Richardson and are finishing up our 33rd camp of the summer here at Collin College in Plano,” said Hunt, a former collegiate and professional basketball player.
“Our Mavs Academy team and coaches are very fortunate to have the opportunity to positively impact thousands of campers all over the Metroplex through basketball, dance and esports. We strive to give all our campers a wonderful Mavs experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.”
He noted that this season has been exceptional and the Mavs appreciate all the players who took time from their offseason to give back to the game.
New Maverick forward/center Christian Wood, 26, made the final appearance of the summer, surprising youth in Plano.
The 6-foot-9 big man wanted to bring hope to kids in his new city.
“I was once that little kid that would look up to NBA players and hope that he would sign my shoe or hope that I would be able to meet him in person,” he said. “With kids, I can be myself, and I can be a kid myself. So it’s fun.”
The Mavs Academy has several full-time staff members who work directly for the franchise, and they hire dozens of coaches and camp directors each summer to oversee each location. The Mavs Academy also runs the Mavs Ball Kid program. In addition, they host numerous clinics, camps and events throughout the year to inspire confidence in the next generation of basketball players.
Hunt said summer camp is a family affair and several coaches have worked alongside the children for decades.
“This summer is the 29th year of Mavs Hoop Camp,” said Hunt. “We have coaches at camp this week that have been with us since our first camp in 1993. They have seen their children grow from camper to camp coach and director. It is truly remarkable! Family is the best way to describe our network of coaches. They are Mavs Family.”
The Mavs Academy has one of the uniquest setups in professional sports because the organization travels to various North Texas locations all summer long.
This allows the Mavs to have a greater reach.
The Academy squeezed every last drop into the game this summer and brought smiles to thousands of kids.
“The Mavs Academy summer camp program requires a lot of hard work and months of planning and preparation,” Hunt explained. “We exemplify our CRAFTS every day!”
CRAFTS is an acronym used by the Dallas Mavericks organization. It stands for Character, Respect, Authenticity, Fairness, Teamwork and Safety.
In February 2018, the Mavs sought to set the NBA standard for inclusion and diversity. The organization became intentional about creating and sustaining a workplace where every voice matters and everybody belongs. This includes working with youth and teens on the basketball court. CRAFTS is a key component of that mission.
The Dallas Mavs won the NBA Inclusion Leadership Award in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
The NBA noted several reasons the Mavericks won, including the franchise’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Mavs Academy has two programs focused on leveling the playing field, including an all-girls program called GEM (Girls Empowered By Mavericks), and the team hosts free camps and clinics in underserved and overlooked communities.
Wood said he’s “counting his blessings” since joining with the Mavs in June. He’s ready to embark on new beginnings, both on and off the court.
He’s also dreaming of what’s ahead.
“It’s a great opportunity for me and for this organization to try and take that next step,” Wood shared. “I just want to win games. My main objective is to try and get to the Finals.”
Story: Tamara Jolee, Dallas Mavericks
Share and comment