NBA standout gives back at youth camp

As a child growing up in New Orleans, Avery Johnson never got the chance to attend a youth basketball camp, to say nothing of getting advice from his NBA heroes.

"They didn't have anything free, and my mom and dad didn't have the money to send me to the camps that cost something," the San Antonio Spurs point guard said.

So it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Johnson flew to Las Vegas on extremely short notice for this week's Bank of America Jammin' Hoops Camp after Seattle SuperSonics guard Gary Payton pulled out of the event.

"I've been doing these types of camps for seven or eight years," said Johnson, who spoke to local youth at Rancho High School Tuesday. "I want to work with anybody who wants to be part of the solution rather than the problem, and that's why I've worked with Bank of America for years."

Johnson, who led the Spurs into the Western Conference semifinals this year, went undrafted after graduating from Southern University in 1988. Refusing to quit, he spent time in the United States Basketball League before signing as a free agent with the SuperSonics.

After two seasons in Seattle, the 5-11 guard played for Denver, San Antonio, Houston and Golden State before returning to the Spurs in 1994.

Since then, he has made a name for himself not only as one of the steadiest playmakers in the league, but also as a member of the NBA's all-interview team and as a player who devotes considerable time to charitable pursuits.

Along with fellow camp instructors Jaron Jackson (Spurs), Michael Cage (Nets) and Hall of Famer Bill Walton, Johnson imparted words of wisdom on a variety of off-court issues, including the importance of a strong work ethic, listening to parental advice and drug-free living.

Johnson also demonstrated one of his on-court specialities -- ball handling -- showing participants several drills, including one in which he closed his eyes while dribbling rapidly between his legs.

"There are a lot of kids in America that need us," he said. "When I look out there, I see 400 Avery Johnsons, people that need a positive word from someone that's not just saying it, but someone that's living it."

And every so often, one of Johnson's former pupils taps him on the shoulder to let the NBA guard know how he steered him in the right direction.

"A guy came up to me and said he was a college sophomore," Johnson said. "He'd seen me speak and said something that I said changed his life. That sends a warm feeling and that's why I keep doing it."

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