Young3 President and former Chicago Bull, Jerome “Junkyard Dog” Williams lead yet another Young3 event in Chicago along with the BIG3. As the 2019 tour continues, more young adults continue to learn life skills through the game of basketball, by mentors who played the game at the highest level
It was a great turnout in Chicago at the Union League Boys & Girls Club, as about 90+ kids participated in the days events. The action was non-stop and the energy was vibrant. Jerome Williams was more than happy to be back in his former city, “It’s great to be in Chicago, a city where I played professional basketball. These kids brought the energy as only Chi-Town can!”
Shoutout to Ghost Ballers very own, Mike Taylor for taking time out of his day to stop by give back to the youth. (He’ll be hosting his own camp in Milwaukee). After signing some autographs and taking pictures, I asked him a few questions about the Young3 and here’s what Mike had to say, “It’s very important for professional basketball players to make an impact in the community, it’s not often that you can meet somebody famous as a young boy or girl and that can be your inspiration to follow your dreams! I know that for me personally, meeting professional players when I was a kid and sitting in that Milwaukee Bucks locker room gave me a vision to the dream I had. It’s a pivotal role in a kids life to meet an athlete, for me I didn’t have a father and I like many other kids looked up to celebrities, and this is why I try to support as many events for the kids that I can!” Kids, pay close attention to what Mike said and never give up on your dreams! When I asked Mike about the Young3 experience he followed, “The Young3 is great. JYD is doing a great job. He and I both have that energy factor. To have these kind of guys educating the youth is incredible.” Then lastly, I asked Mike about the importance of going out in the community and making a positive impact as a professional basketball player, which he replied, “It’s everything to me, I too have a non-profit organization, the TaylorMade foundation. It’s really everything for me, growing up I never had a professional player come into my neighborhood and help us. Like this is everything to me, I truly love it. I’m just trying to give these kids inspiration, motivation, and a blueprint on how to make it out of the conditions they were forced into… poverty.” Strong words from Mike Taylor, go give him a follow on Instagram @MikeTaylorMade88 to see what he’s doing in the community and support him while he keeps doing amazing things!
We were pleased to have Diamond Scott observe our camp as well, she spoke with the kids and loved everything about it. Here’s a quote from Diamond, “I learned so much about the Young3 in a conversation with Jerome Williams, I decided that I wanted to help, I wanted to be apart of this organization, their mission for the youth. Then, I was fortunate enough to see the Young3 experience, it was everything Jerome talked about and more. To see these kids faces from the littlest to the oldest, smiles and hugs, having fun with Jerome, climbing on his back, it was amazing. I’ve never seen anything like that regarding a celebrity. The love that his team has for their purpose is amazing, not only teaching these kids basketball but educating them as well, sharing inspirational speeches, I think it’s all so phenomenal. It all takes these kids away from the difficulties they might be dealing with in their life. I just believe that the Young3 is priceless, I think that more people should want to be apart of this and help!” She couldn’t have summed it up any better.
Big ups to the kids of Chicago for thriving with Young3. Here are some final quotes from Union League Boys & Girls Club staff members who participated in the event as well:
Edgar Rodriguez Jr., “It’s extremely important for these kids to see professional basketball players give back to the community because… you have kids that see individuals that may come from the same background, individuals who are successful, it gives them a sense of hope and they can eventually strive to do these great things as well.”
Marquand Jones, “I hope today showed the kids to stay open-minded, always have fun, and that they can do whatever it takes to make it in life.”
Alberto Garcia, “It’s very important for these kid to see professional players give back because they can see somebody successful who made it out of a situation similar to theirs. They can use that as motivation, it’s a very positive influence. I hope the kids learned to never give up on their dreams today!”
Great words from some great people!
Here is your Chicago Young3 All-Team (Follow them on Instagram!)
Jaythan Santiago – @Dripping_Swagg
Leslie Green – @Baller_Les
Willie Merrick – @h.t.Will_
Kayla Porrata – @WhatUpItz._.Kayla
Aunyai Deere – @Aunyai2905
Demaje Deere
Amazing job boys and girls! Especially Aunyai and Demaje for representing the Deere family by thriving in the camp, they sure seem to have bright futures in this great sport.
Thank you so much Chicago, you kids were incredible and kept the energy going from start to finish. That’s hard to do and we commend you for that. It was fun to be in Chicago for a second straight year. Will we be back for a third straight year? Maybe so. But for now, the Young3 is headed to Miami, Florida for a reunion with the youngsters in South Beach.
Champions Basketball Network reporter, Liam Blutman.
