Cam Whitmore Comes Home: A Conversation on Growth, Maryland Roots, Fit with the Washington Wizards & Tons More

Cam Whitmore is coming home and bringing the energy with him. The Odenton Maryland native and former Villanova star was recently traded from the Houston Rockets to the Washington Wizards earlier this month. With the move comes a fresh opportunity for Whitmore to make his mark on a young rebuilding team in a city he grew up watching closely.

Over the weekend Whitmore returned to his roots for a cause bigger than basketball. He hosted his Flexwork Youth Basketball Camp at his alma mater Archbishop Spalding High School in Severn, Maryland. The camp welcomed kids ages 6 to 16 and focused on providing valuable instruction in a fun high-energy and positive environment.

Throughout the weekend campers participated in fundamental skill stations shooting drills, contests, lectures and even received awards. For Whitmore it wasn’t just about the drills, it was about giving back to the next generation in the same community that helped shape him.

He remembers being one of those kids and recalls the local figures who showed up to host camps and how those experiences left a lasting impression. Now it’s his turn to inspire and teach.

In between helping young hoopers fine-tune their jump shots and handle the ball, Whitmore took some time to chat with me about his journey to the NBA, his fit with the Wizards, what he’s learned so far and what’s ahead in year three.

Check out our Q&A below: 

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Who was someone local or from the league that showed up to a camp when you were younger and left a lasting impression on you?

Cam Whitmore: I’d say the most fun I had in a camp was the D-Rich TV Camp. I always wanted to have kids come back and give back and give certain kids advice and also play with them 1-on-1 or fives because back then I think CP3 came down and maybe it was James Harden or Josh Smith when I was in 7th grade.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What was your entry point with the Wizards growing up and who were some of the players you watched during those years?

Cam Whitmore:  John Wall and Bradley Beal. I remember the playoff games when Paul Pierce hit that big shot; that was when “The Truth” [Paul Pierce] came out and so, it was a lot of memories throughout the Wizards organization and now I’m here a couple years later so it’s kinda a surreal moment.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: You’ve got young teammates like Bub Carrington Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr. How have you been adjusting to the Wizards since the trade from Houston especially early in your career?

Cam Whitmore: Oh yeah. I tried in Summer League but I know as time goes on we will be better. We’re all around the same age and pretty young and plus me and Bub grew up playing against each other so yeah it’s just a couple of young guns ready to work and we’re very hungry to win basketball games so that’s our job.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Where do you see yourself fitting in with this Wizards team on both ends of the floor?

Cam Whitmore: To make an instant impact on the floor offensively and defensively which I kind of stand out in the league from the defensive end you know? So as long as we’re dialed in on the defensive end then I mean we’re good.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Has the transition from a role player in Houston to a potential starter in Washington been a difficult one for you?

Cam Whitmore: No not really. In my eyes I kind of wanted that and I think I’m ready and built for it but at the end of the day whatever the coach wants. Same thing I did when I was on the Rockets — whatever coach wants me to do I gotta put some effort into it but yeah it’s still what it is.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What did you take away from your time with Ime Udoka and his emphasis on defense in Houston?

Cam Whitmore: I mean you said it yourself on the defensive end. You can’t get on the floor without defense. When I first arrived in the NBA I really didn’t focus on that side of the floor but as time went on defense could make a big impact and you don’t even have to score the ball. You can rebound and hustle back on defense and get deflections you know? Just the little stuff that helps the team win.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What do you think Jalen Green’s impact will be with the Phoenix Suns this season?

Cam Whitmore: I’m not gonna lie Jalen Green is a good player and athletic player and I think he should’ve been an All-Star this past year but you know it is what it is but I think his breakout year will be this year and he has a lot of people doubting him and I’m rooting for him. That’s my brother.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What are your thoughts on Kevin Durant now playing for Houston?

Cam Whitmore: I mean Kevin Durant’s a fit but at the end of the day that calendar is marked when the day comes and so it’s gonna be a good game!

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What do you think it is about the state of Maryland that produces so many top athletes dominating the NBA and WNBA?

Cam Whitmore: Yeah I’ve said it before in other interviews regarding this area producing the most athletes. Not just basketball but athletes in general. Also coming from a place where it’s nothing but grit and grind and we’re taught that at an early age. Same thing with me so it comes from that.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Coming from Villanova what’s your relationship like with your fellow Villanova alums on the Knicks the “Nova Knicks”?

Cam Whitmore: They’re kind of older than me when I came in but the coolest person I talked to was Josh Hart when I was in college and so he talked to me and told me just stay the course stay level headed and the work will take care of itself.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What is something about your game or mindset that people might not know but should know?

Cam Whitmore: That’s interesting. People think that I really do not pay attention or do not care about any outside noise involved with me. Of course I hear about it when my friends tell me about it but a lot of stuff happened in my life prior to the NBA world so ain’t nothing going to knock myself off my shoulders.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: As a Jordan Brand athlete what do those monthly packages from Air Jordan usually include?

Cam Whitmore: Monthly package? Some Travis Scott’s. I like a good little Jordan sweatsuit and a Nike Tech Jordan sweatsuit. Probably in the wintertime I’ll get a bubble coat, some cargo pants usually that’s what comes in the mail and about 10 pairs of shoes.

Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: What is your main goal for yourself and the Wizards heading into this season?

Cam Whitmore: I’m not gonna lie I’m really trying to win some games! I want to turn this whole organization around into a positive organization where fans will want to come to the games and fans will want to watch the Wizards play basketball but first we gotta win. Really my goal is to win 35 least 40 games at the max but the Eastern Conference is up for grabs and anybody can kind of get in but a Play-In wouldn’t be too bad either.

Cam Whitmore is embracing the challenge in DC and sees the opportunity clearly. With a young core around him he understands that leadership growth and consistency will be key parts of the equation moving forward. While some may wonder about the transition from being a role player in Houston to a potential starter in Washington Whitmore is focused on staying ready and letting his work speak.

He also brings valuable lessons from his time with defensive-minded head coach Ime Udoka and remains grateful for the early foundation built with the Rockets. He’s locked in on improving his game and being an impact player on both ends of the floor.

Whitmore shared excitement about suiting up for a franchise he watched as a kid including during the Bradley Beal and Gilbert Arenas eras. He also spoke on Maryland’s rich basketball culture and how players from both Baltimore and Prince George’s County continue to dominate the game at all levels.

The Villanova bond is still strong too. Whitmore keeps in touch with his fellow alums on the Knicks and credits his time at Nova for preparing him for moments like this. Whether it’s his underrated skill set or the perks of being part of Jordan Brand Whitmore is entering the season confident and hungry.

If his camp was any indication Whitmore is not only focused on building his own legacy but also inspiring others to chase theirs. Washington might be his next stop but for Whitmore it feels more like a return to where the story began.