Paul Stephens Fifth Annual NIVA Basketball Camp provides head start for budding young hoopsters

In the past four years, coach Stephens, who also teaches in a local high school, has gathered hundreds of young basketballers for a two-week camp that provides a wealth of theory, practice, and motivation that will serve these boys and girls well throughout life, even if they do not pursue careers in the sport.

"It's a great opportunity for me to give back some of the good that was transmitted to me in my growing years," says the coach, whose connection in the basketball and sports world range from the Philadelphia 76ers Samuel Dalembert and the Miami Heat's Joel Anthony, hockey's Eric Perrin of the Atlanta Thrashers, football's Danny Dortelus of the Alouettes, and Olympian Nicolas Macrozonaris.

"I'm truly gratified by their response. Event though they are long-time close friends and acquaintances, I'm still awed by the fact that they would take time from their busy schedules to share their insights with young people who need guidance, leadership and positive role models. And I don't think you can do any better than these fine people for setting a good example for the young," sums up the coach.