Fundamental Change: Nike To Start Promoting Basic Skills

LeBron To Assist Nike In Skill Development Camps

Nike has unveiled a new model for its grassroots summer basketball operation, “providing a progressive first step toward altering a system that many feel has been flawed for years,” according to Joe Freeman of the Portland OREGONIAN. Nike will eliminate its All-American Camp and “start promoting skill development and team play ahead of the individual, street-ball style that has permeated youth basketball in recent years.” Nike will invite the top-20 high school-age players at each position, “regardless of the player’s shoe affiliation,” to camps, which will be run by Nike endorsers, as well as NBA and high school coaches. Suns G Steve Nash, Lakers G Kobe Bryant, Nets F Vince Carter and Suns F Amare Stoudemire are all slated to participate. Afterwards, the top 40 players will participate in a separate camp run by Cavs F LeBron James. Nike also plans to host an eight-team global challenge featuring teams from the U.S. and abroad –- “likely to be held in Oregon –- and will organize regional tournaments featuring high school teams.” The company will also host a “coaching academy” for U.S high school coaches. Nike Global Dir of Basketball George Raveling said that NBA and NCAA reps have “seen and support Nike’s new summer model” (Portland OREGONIAN, 11/9).