The Robbie Hummel Basketball Camp will return for the fourth straight year in Northwest Indiana, taking place June 20-23 at The Courts of Northwest Indiana. The camp, designed to teach basketball fundamentals to students in kindergarten through eighth grade, will showcase the knowledge and experience of the game of basketball’s fundamentals Hummel has acquired over his years playing across the world.
For Hummel though, teaching the players to love the fundamentals is the best part of the camp each year.
“It’s always fun,” said Hummel, region native and professional player. “Last year we had about 220 kids out and it is really great to get out there with the kids and have some fun. That’s what it is all about.”
The Valparaiso High School and Purdue University star has played professionally in the NBA for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and in European leagues for Blue:sense Monobus of Spain and Emporio Armani Milano in Italy. With a mix of high school, AAU, collegiate, and professional experience both in the US and abroad, Hummel has seen and experienced the game at all levels and styles. Though that experience gives him a unique look at the game, the fundamentals are still at the core no matter where the game is played.
“I guess you could say I’ve seen all kinds of basketball,” said Hummel. “Every level has its own flavor, but it all comes back to the fundamentals. Those are basically the same.”
Following an injury to his shoulder in Italy early in the year, Hummel has been doing some work with the Big Ten Network during the college basketball season and has spent some time on the Purdue Men’s Basketball bench this season. But his drive continues to keep him coming back; it’s all about getting healthy and getting back on the court.
“I can’t go out that way - with the shoulder injury,” explained Hummel. “I know that when I am healthy, I am good enough to be out there and that’s the goal. I think I have another five or six years in me.”
But before the next professional season begins, Hummel looks forward to working with kids in the region to help develop offensive and defensive fundamentals.
“The kids at the camp will be working on the basics for their level to develop their game. And we’ll make it fun for them. If we can make learning the fundamentals fun, then they will build a love for the game.”
Registration for the four-day camp will be $100 if you sign up before May 15, 2016, and $115 if you sign up after.
For more information on the camp, visit the Camp Page at The Courts of Northwest Indiana website, or follow this PDF for how to sign your kid up to join Hummel at camp.