The LA Clippers hosted a free Jr. Clippers basketball clinic on Monday in partnership with Air West. The clinic was in celebration of Jr. NBA Week, and included an appearance from Clippers forward Brandon Boston Jr., along with instruction from Air West and Jr. Clippers coaches.
Speaking at the clinic, Boston was asked if he grew up going to clinics like this, and said, "Yes, all the time. Groups where other vets and players come to talk to the kids, and just show us a good time and kick it with us. Running drills like this, playing, it's just fun. Growing up, just playing for free, it's all love. [These kids] have a passion for being here, and I love it."
Chris Young, the Co-Founder of Air West, also spoke with AllClippers about the impact the team is making in the community through their Jr. Clippers program and beyond.
"It means a lot to be able to finally work with an NBA team, and just having it be our hometown - the LA Clippers," Young said. "So for me, being that I grew up across the street from the Sports Arena, it means a lot."
With the Clippers having so many LA natives on their roster, Young's connection with the team runs deep. Having worked with Russell Westbrook, Norman Powell, KJ Martin, and Paul George during various points in their basketball careers, Young said his ties with the organization make it even more special to put on a clinic like this.
Alongside Air West, Brandon Boston Jr. was working with the kids through different drills that focused on agility as well as fundamentals. For Boston, giving back to the community is something he's passionate about, and being able to do that in a hands-on setting means even more. There are so many ways NBA players can give back to the community, but being present with the kids is an unmatched feeling for the Clippers forward.
"It's very important to me," Boston said when asked about being there in person for these kids. "I have the knowledge and wisdom, and they're the future. They're the next stars and the next thing up, so you can only give them and feed them what they need to hear... It means a lot. I love the kids, I love everything that the Jr. Clippers are doing for the kids, and I'm just a part of it."
Boston added that the veterans on his team have helped set the example of how to be a leader in the community, and the 21-year-old forward is following their lead.
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