Matt and I went out and took some photos at Adidas Nations last week.
Adidas Nations is one of the premier Summer camps for the nation's best high school players plus they bring in prospects from all over the globe - Asia, Africa, Russia, etc.
During the week the camp counselors consist of top college players and then a bunch of NBA guys drop in to help as well.
The guys trained and played all week at the Next Level gym in Garden Grove. Then on Monday, we went out to go check out the 3rd Place and Championship games which were held at Long Beach City College.
Overall it was a cool environment. We enjoyed hanging out at both the practice sessions and the games. It was interesting to see the coaches and scouts interact with the players on and off the court. The global aspect of it was intriguing too - spent a lot of time watching the teams from Africa and Russia and just appreciating how universal the game really is.
Rookie of the Year phenom Damian Lillard was in the building.
As was John Wall rocking some new Pro Model's and fresh off signing his $80M extension.
Damian asked to take a picture with me on my way out.
Matt and I left halfway through the last game as we had to get back to the office and finish a few projects on deadlines. A couple days later I read that Derrick Rose dropped in later, after we had left. Missing hanging out with him is probably the lowest moment of my basketball player stalking career. Oh well, next time. I will find you Derrick :)
Thanks to Nima and, of course, SLAM magazine.
