Turner took the time to work and have fun with campers.
Back home in Texas for the month, Myles Turner held an inaugural basketball camp for kids of all ages. Fresh off of his rookie campaign, the Pacers’ big man wanted to give back to the place that meant so much to him.
So, Turner ran — not just held — the camp at his high school, Trinity High School, in Euless, Texas. He was born in nearby Bedford, and together with Hurst they form what’s known to folks down there at the HEB.
“That’s the community that raised him,” said a source close to him who was at the camp.
More than 150 kids participated in the camp, held on August 11 and 12.
“These kids had a lot of energy,” Turner told VigilantSports.com. “I had a lot of fun. It was a great experience.”
And it was important for the 20-year-old to not just have his own camp, but to be present. Anyone can have a camp but you must be active, focused, and engaged to truly be present.
“That was one thing I wanted to do this year to set myself apart,” he continued. “I really wanted to be involved in this camp, do all of the drills with the kids, be as active as possible, speak to them — not just about basketball but about life itself.
“This camp has been a great way for me just to express my energy and express my appreciation for the HEB community.”
Turner had such a good time and felt like he truly made an impact that he intends to have one in Indianapolis next summer.
Before the two-day camp, Turner surprised his grandmother and aunt with a brand new SUV at a nearby pizza store. Those two have been with him from the beginning and, in addition to his parents, were his biggest supporters.
“I just love them, man,” Turner said. “They showed me nothing but love ever since I was growing up.
“They took care of me when both of my parents were working extra hours at work. I would just go over to their house and stay with them. They would always take me to my AAU games and what not. They were at every single one of my games – high school, AAU — they would travel and they have just been there for me every step of the way. I wanted to just show them a little appreciation for everything.”
(He also unveiled his own logo, which was on display at camp.)
Turner has a bright future ahead of him. He was outstanding in his rookie debut, earning a spot in the starting lineup as the year progressed. A minor injury that required an operation ended up being a blessing, as it allowed him to take a step back, absorb everything going on, and truly study his role.
While he’s wise and mature beyond his age, there was still a learning curve. There is for everyone. After a terrific showing in Las Vegas in July, named a member of USA Basketball’s Select Team, he appears set to make another leap forward entering his second season.
Without question, he’s the No. 2 guy on the Pacers behind three-time All-Star and Olympic Gold Medalist Paul George. He is the future, and that has both the Pacers and their fans excited.
See photos from Turner’s camp below, which were provided exclusively to VigilantSports.com. (Video by Collier Vinson, Photos by Alex Vu.)
https://twitter.com/kimbrough_kamal/status/764218133158563840
The kids have nothin but love for Myles Turner! Especially my camper MVP! @3dHoopsAcademy @Original_Turner pic.twitter.com/xzGiuez8Oq
— Amber Griggs (@ambergriggs11) August 12, 2016