FLINT, Mich. – It’s not often that basketball-loving kids get to meet 2019 NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Hamidou Diallo in his hometown.
However, thanks to the collective efforts of Flint Community Schools, Flint United, Flint Fresh and the Hamidou Diallo Foundation, approximately 80 children had the opportunity to not only meet the Detroit Pistons Diallo, but also to do drills and practice basketball with other NBA legends.
“Hami Day” was a two-day basketball camp held at Northwestern High School that allowed Flint kids to work on their fundamentals from 9 am to 2 pm both days.
The camp was an opportunity for the kids to train with semi-pro and active professional basketball players, including retired two-time NBA champion Earl Cureton, nicknamed “The Twirl.”
NBA champion Earl “The Twirl” Cureton high-fives a Hami Day Camp attendee at Northwestern High School in Flint on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com )
“Anything with kids right now, especially after COVID is wonderful,” Cureton said. “I like to come and tell my story. I remember when I was his size, dreaming of making it to the NBA. [I want to] That they know how hard it is to get there, they talk about the importance of education and not just focusing on being an athlete. I just want to share a positive message with them.”
After the children finished the running drills, they were asked to sit down to hear a few words from each of the guests attending the camp.
Cureton, Rob Murray, Piston assistant general manager Mark Ingram Sr. and Flint Hall of Famer Jeff Grayer took a moment to remind those on the field about the importance of discipline and consistency. After a few closing remarks, the kids were welcome to play in the bounce houses, hoop, or play one-on-one with Diallo.
A boy hugs Hamidou Diallo before taking a picture with him during the Hami Day Camp at Northwestern High School in Flint, Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
During Diallo’s time at camp Friday, he was caught laughing, running and playing with children. His heart and all his energy were completely in the moment. For Diallo, his time and investment in the camp was personal.
“Growing up, this is the kind of impact I wanted to make growing up, and to be able to do that for as many kids as I can around the world is just a blessing,” Diallo said.
After a morning and two days of exercises, Hami Day attendees received new school backpacks, pizza and some great prizes were awarded.
Starlin Hamilton, a free agent point guard, was one of several coaches who led fundamental drills and talked about what it was like for him to be around Hami Day.
Free agent point guard Starlin Hamilton drills alongside Earl Cureton with kids attending the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School in Flint on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
“This experience has been great. It’s been great to get back to the kids. I remember being in the same position as them,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton, Cureton, Grayer and Diallo know what it takes to make it to the league. They know what it takes to stand out from the crowd. It was during Hami Day that the kids of Flint had the opportunity to learn great lessons from the best in the game.
When asked what he would say to all aspiring basketball players, Hamilton offered some words of wisdom.
“Discipline and consistency,” he said. “Everybody wants to be a professional, everybody wants to do things after high school and college, but it’s really the discipline and consistency that sets people apart. You just keep going.”
See some more photos from Hami Day Camp below:
Flint United owner Kevin Mays speaks to the press during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
Earl Cureton watches as attendees line up for drills during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
Oliver Hayes practices dribbling fundamentals during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
Attendees run through footy drills during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
A boy takes a break and sits on a basketball during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
A coach laughs and encourages a player during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
Jaxx Jones plays with a basketball during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, August 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
A Hami Day basketball camp attendee goes through footwork drills during the Hami Day camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
NBA champion Earl Cureton watches as kids go through a workout during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
Mark Ingram Mr. speaks to attendees during Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, August 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
Hamidou Diallo poses for a portrait with attendees during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
Hamidou Diallo of the Detroit Pistons plays one-on-one with a kid during the Hami Day Camp at Flint Northwestern High School on Friday, Aug. 27, 2022. (Jenifer Veloso | Flintside.com)
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