SAM VINCENT WRAPS UP BASKETBALL CLINICS

By Robert Balajadia

Former NBA Champ Sam Vincent wrapped up his youth clinics Tuesday evening after giving his advance class, the final of his four-day clinic at the St. Anthony gym. Vincent traveled to Guam as part of the Retired Players program to educate youth on how important it is to not only work hard to achieve your goal while also stressing the importance of education.

Vincent started out the morning with conditioning while having the kids run early offensive drills and working on ball handling. After a light scrimmage and lunch, Vincent constructed defensive slides as well as letting the kids compete in shooting games that proved to be very competitive.

Sam Vincent shares the story of potential teammate Len Bias. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Vincent shared his life experiences with the kids and how grave one bad decision could be after explaining the story of Len Bias who died of a cocaine overdose just days after being selected as the #2 pick in the 1986 draft.

Bias was set to join the Boston Celtics, who had just won an NBA championship after Vincent’s rookie year. Vincent explained that all of Bias’ hard work had got him to his dream of being in the NBA, but a bad decision not only took his chance of ever playing professional basketball away but more importantly his life.

Vincent used Bias’ story to steer in the kids in the right direction proving that a mistake, no matter how big, can shatter a lifetime of work. He also shared that you can be the best player on the team but acting like a knucklehead won’t get you the respect you aim for.

As stressed from Vincent’s arrival, striving to play in the NBA is great dream to have but not even the greatest players play the game forever which is why having education and an alternate plan is very important.

During the breaks from the basketball drills, Vincent made sure to instill those principles in Guam’s youth not only hoping to make them a better basketball player, but a better person in the end.

PHOTO GALLERY:

Michael Min and Tony Hsieh practicing ball denial drills while getting commentary from Sam Vincent. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Alschae Grape and the team trying to hit the last shot needed in the shooting competition. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Sam Vincent showing the kids proper technique on receiving the ball. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Sam Vincent working his way through the kids on the offensive drills. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

The kids practice their triple threat stance. (photo by Robert Balajadia)