Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner hosts his basketball camp in Dallas, tells reporters why he loves the event
Myles Turner held his fourth-ever basketball camp in Dallas earlier this week. The Indiana Pacers center, a Dallas-area native, started the camp in his hometown after his rookie season and has held one every year he can. The pandemic and National Team obligations have interfered a few times, but it's a priority for the Pacers big man.
Turner held the camp at Drive Nation Sports, a multi-sport training and events facility in Dallas. The facility was founded by former Pacers All-Star forward Jermaine O’Neal seven years ago, and Turner has used it before.
During the camp, Turner caught up with reporters, including DallasBasketball's Grant Afseth. Turner had a lot to say about the camp, why he loves doing it, his hometown Mavericks, and more.
"For a lot of these kids, man, it's just inspiration. You see us on TV, but they actually see me in person working and whatnot," Turner told Afseth of why he enjoys being involved with campers. "It does something more, it just makes them really actually believe they can do it a bit more as opposed to just thinking it's more far-fetched seeing it on TV."
The 27-year old added that he enjoys immersing himself in the experience. He participates in the drills with campers over the many hours of the camp, which is free to attendees.
This coming week, Turner will host another camp, but the second one will be near Indianapolis. It will be the first time Turner has held such an event near where the Pacers play.
"I feel like kids get talked down to a lot, especially by their peers and sometimes their loved ones. It's just finding yourself. It's some people, it takes a lifetime to do that, but I'm trying to send a message to these kids just to figure out what they want," Turner told Afseth. The center has made it a point to teach interpersonal skills to his campers. It's more than just a basketball experience. "They're kids and they're supposed to have fun with the game, but, you know, come out here and just discover yourself, man."
Indiana's long-time big man wants to preach having fun in the sport while helping campers be themselves. He believes that is the most enriching environment for the kids.
Last season, Turner had a career year. He averaged a career high in both points (18.0) and rebounds (7.5) per game, and his efficiency was terrific. Indiana finished 35-47, but they were 29-33 when Turner was available. They were 6-14 otherwise.
He will hope to build on that season next year, and he now has a longer, extended contract. He's tied to the Pacers through the 2024-25 season.
His coach with the Pacers, Rick Carlisle, was present at Turner's camp as well. It was his second straight year attending, and he hopped over to Las Vegas to be with Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton right after. Carlisle spends time with his players during the summer.
"It means a lot, man. Because he's a Hall of Fame coach and a basketball savant. When a mind like that, as someone who's won before and has been there, that type of knowledge is valuable to get passed down," Turner told Afseth of Carlisle being present at his camp. "There's only so much I can see from my own eyes, so having him here and talking to the kids has them take it a little more serious. I'm glad that I have that support from him and the Pacers organization."
All of Turner's thoughts on his camp, the Mavericks, Luka Doncic, and more can be read here.
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