Isaiah Joe Gives Back to Arkansas With Shooting Camp
Arkansas native and Oklahoma City Thunder player Isaiah Joe ran a basketball camp over the weekend in Little Rock, titled the "Isaiah Joe Shooters Shoot Camp."
The camp had two sessions, one for grades six through eight, and the other for grades to nine through 12, with the goal to provide "high-quality basketball shooting skills inclusive of ball-handling and shooting the basketball."
Joe has a deep love for his home state, proved by his decision to stay home and play with the Arkansas Razorbacks during his college career. He became beloved by the Razorback community through his incredible shooting ability and love he has shown in the years since being drafted in the NBA.
The basketball camp has been a way for him to give back to the community he loves during the off-season, and for children learning the game and working on their shooting mechanics, Joe is one of the better players to learn from.
Last season, Joe solidified himself as one of the NBA's best 3-point shooters. On over five attempts from behind-the-arc per game, he shot an impressive 40.9%.
His percentage finished as the No. 25 most efficient in the league, ahead of the likes of elite shooters in Desmond Bane, Kevin Huerter and Tyrese Haliburton.
Joe was extremely important for Oklahoma City's success last season, providing a team without many shooting threats with knockdown tendencies. In many bench lineups, Joe played as the number one scoring option, which showed how hot he can get with the opportunity.
Next season, Joe should once again be a key player for the Thunder. Providing the team with similar shooting numbers and potentially a higher scoring output will go a long way in helping boost the OKC offense.
Through his character, Joe has more than proven that he fits within the Thunder culture that has been built over the last decade plus. Amidst the several college and personal connections on the current roster, Joe and Jaylin Williams may have the most special.
Both players are from Fort Smith, AR, and both played at the University of Arkansas. They did not get the opportunity to play with each other in college, but their careers have circled around into getting the opportunity to play together at the highest level of basketball.
Williams has also been involved with Joe in basketball camps over the last couple years, including a Thunder Cares event in Fort Smith. Even though nothing will replace his love for Arkansas, Joe can hopefully call Oklahoma City a second home.
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