Nigel Williams-Goss’ camp a record-setting success at HUB

The sound of 101 youngsters dribbling basketballs at the Nigel Williams-Goss basketball camp Tuesday bounced off the walls at the HUB Sports Center.

Make that 102, if you include Williams-Goss. The former Zag was in the middle of every drill, demonstrating ball-handling, shooting form and jump stops.

“The first 10 minutes in practice every day before the West Virginia game (in the Sweet 16) all we did was jump stops full court,” Williams-Goss told campers, after checking with GU walk-on guard and camp instructor Jack Beach for confirmation.

The turnout set a record for a HUB basketball camp, a testament to the point guard’s popularity in the region after helping the Zags reach the 2017 national championship game.

One youngster came from Connecticut to attend and the family pledged after the first day to return next year. A dozen parents stayed around to listen, some snapping pictures or taking video with their phones, as Williams-Goss addressed the kids, many clad in GU gear, in the opening session.

Williams-Goss was thrilled to be working alongside his father, Virgil.

“From day one he was my first trainer and he taught me pretty much everything I know about basketball,” Williams-Goss said. “For us to be working together and teaching young kids, it’s just awesome.”

The three-day camp, which concludes Wednesday, is Williams-Goss’ first time in Spokane since a one-day trip for spring graduation ceremonies.

He hopes the camp becomes an annual event.

“To get over 100 kids for my first camp surprised me a little bit,” he said. “It’s a blessing to give back to this community and teach the kids all the fundamentals that I’ve tried to build into my game.”