Adams plays hero to shy Kiwi kid
In one tender, touching moment back in his home country, Steven Adams has revealed a side of himself that the NBA seldom gets to see.
The Kiwi Oklahoma City Thunder basketballer made an indelible impression on all 250-plus kids who packed the North Shore Events Centre to attend his camp in Auckland this week (coming from as far away as Kaitaia to attend). They were transfixed as Adams, along with team-mates Nick Collison and Andre Roberson, and coaches from the NBA organisation, took them through their paces.
But one youngster, in particular, got an up-close-andpersonal experience with the 2.13-metre giant that he will probably never forget for the rest of his life.
As the hundreds of hoopsloving youngsters poured into the NSEC, there was one little ‘un who seemed reluctant to join them. Like a lamb cut off from the herd, he presented a desolate sight as he wrestled with his emotions.
So out in the car park, as the young man battled his shyness and reluctance to join so many others of all ages and sizes for the event, he received a surprise visitor.
Adams had been made aware of the youngster’s plight, and took it upon himself to do something about it. First, he joined him and his father to persuade him to come inside and take a peek.
New Zealand’s NBA trailblazer assured him it wasn’t going to be so bad and, besides, he’d be his guide.
Once inside, Adams encouraged the boy to look at what was going on out on the the NSEC’s four courts, where 250-odd kids were being put through drills. Before long, thanks to Adams’ caring approach, fears were allayed and he was able to join the fray.
The Oklahoma City Thunder posted photos of the unfolding events on their Facebook page, with a message that made it clear how Adams’ kindness had touched the Kiwi youngster.
‘‘Little man, amped to the days for the SA [Steven Adams] Camp in Auckland today! Gets there and shys [sic] away seeing close to 300 other kids attending the camp,’’ said the OKC Facebook post.
‘‘SA [Adams] hears of this and goes into the carpark in the middle of the camp and talks him back into the fold. Best memory ever − priceless.’’
Adams had earlier explained why he takes time out of his offseason every year now to run his own training camps around New Zealand. This year he was holding three, with Tauranga (today) and Wellington (August 28) following the house-full Auckland event.
‘‘It’s showing the kids that basketball is a fun sport to play, but also showing them that there’s an opportunity there to use it as a vehicle if they wish to get a degree or something like that.
‘‘It’s about making sure we have some good foundations so as when my career ends it keeps going. That’s all we’re figuring out now, and a lot of people are working very hard at it. But it is our goal to make it huge.’’
Asked the words of encouragement he would have for youngsters wanting to make it to the NBA, Adams replied:
‘‘It’s mainly just have fun with it, especially at this age. You don’t want them to grow up too fast. As long as they enjoy the game they’ll progress as they need to.
‘‘Becoming a pro athlete is really, really hard, and you have to sacrifice a whole lot. So it’s just weighing up that. Do you enjoy playing it? As long as that weighs up to more than all the sacrifices and pain you have to go through, then you’ll be fine.’’
Back in his day mentor Kenny McFadden, one of the coaches at the camp, used to always give Adams a simple message around his responsibilities. And now the NBA star likes to impart that very same advice.
‘‘He taught me that, so I tell the kids the exact same thing: eat your veges, do your homework, clean your room, and keep your nose clean.’’
And sometimes, when it’s needed, he might add ’’don’t be afraid to take part’’.
Inspirational words, indeed.