By Nathan Tingen
Thirty-three highschoolers gathered in Orem’s Champions Athletic Academy, Wednesday, July 19, to receive training under NBA center Michael Doleac of the Orlando Magic.
They came from all over the western United States for Champions’ Big Man’s Camp. Camp began Wednesday, July 19, with drill after drill after drill.
“I like how they really care about detail,” said Jeff Lehnus, a high school coach from Durango, Colo. “They’re really focusing on learning. I even picked something up.”
“A lot of kids come to camp and just play around,” said Chris Jones, director of basketball operations for Champions and former assistant coach for the University of Utah. “We want to work them.”
“It’s all about work, having a good attitude and learning something,” Doleac said.
Many of the kids in the camp were excited to be working with a NBA player.
“It’s pretty cool. He’s really nice; a down to earth guy,” said Devon Catron, a senior at Bayfield High in Durango, Colo.
“I’m glad they have the chance to work with a guy like Mike,” Lenhus said. “It’s good for them to see a guy who has really worked for it.”
Doleac, a former player for the University of Utah, is also enjoying the opportunity to work with the kids.
“It’s good to come back to Utah and be able to give back to the game,” he said.
“He’s got a great work ethic,” Jones said of Doleac, “and he’s really good with the kids.”
Even though Doleac stands 6’10”, he was difficult to spot in the gym. He was out there doing the drills and sweating with the kids.
“I’ve been to other camps (with NBA players) before,” Catron said. “They just stood around on the side. He is out there coaching us.”
Catron and others will be getting plenty of tips from Doleac. Thursday and Friday’s sessions go for 12 straight hours.
“It’s going to be a good camp,” Jones said. “We’ve got better athletes than we thought we would.”
Champions hosts more 20 camps each summer, though this is the first with a high profile attraction.
The future may bring more NBA stars to Champions as Jones works out each summer with former University of Utah greats, Keith Van Horne and Andre Miller, as well as Mike Doleac.
