Heat’s Bam Adebayo embraces Miami community at his charity’s youth basketball camp – Orange County Register

More than 200 children and teenagers converged on Riviera Prep in Miami to get a chance to play with Heat standout Bam Adebayo.

The 25-year-old forward hosted his fourth annual Bam Youth Basketball Clinic, presented by his charity, The BBB Foundation, on Saturday, spending time with kids ranging from third-graders to high school seniors.

“It’s a great thing just because I didn’t have this type of opportunity when I was younger,” Adebayo said. “Being able to be somebody who can give kids an opportunity to play basketball. I started in sixth grade. They’re starting in first and second, so they get ahead of the curve.”

The camp cost $100 to attend, but Adebayo donated 50 spots to kids from different youth groups: Overtown Optimist Club, T.E.E.S. Miami and the Boys and Girls Club.

“The community supports me so much,” Adebayo said. “They show me so much love. … At least I can do this [for the community].”

Adebayo’s mother, Marylyn Blount, was in attendance at the camp Saturday. She is the vice president of The BBB Foundation.

“She’s kind of like the leader of the pack, makes sure everything goes smoothly,” Adebayo said. “She’s the reason why this happens. She’s a big part of it.”

Adebayo has also spent time playing in the Miami Pro League, teaming up with his friend, Donovan Mitchell. Fans who attended chanted “Miami” at Mitchell to try to show how much they want the Utah Jazz guard to join the Heat.

“It’s just fun, it’s for Miami, it’s for the community,” Adebayo said. “And then to have one of my best friends, Donovan, come join us. It was a dope experience.”

Adebayo said he hopes his camp on Saturday will help the attendees learn more about basketball — with the added benefit of letting their parents relax.

“It’s one of those things where they get to learn valuable lessons, and also the parents get a break today,” Adebayo said. “Hopefully, their kids burn enough energy where they can go straight to sleep, and the parents get a day off.”

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