NBA player Doleac to hold hoops camp in Priest River

A Denver Nugget is making his way to North Idaho to help kids learn some tricks of the trade.

Michael Doleac, number 51 with the Denver Nuggets pro basketball team, recently bought a family vacation home in Priest River and decided to set up a two-day basketball camp for as many as 130 kids in the area. By July 23, the kids will be looking up to the 6-foot-11 NBA center in the Priest River High School gym.

“We’re not trying to make money,” Doleac said on a cell phone while awaiting a flight in Las Vegas. “We’re just trying to have a camp where people come and have a good time and learn about basketball.”

Doleac graduated from the University of Utah and started with the NBA in 1998 with the Orlando Magic. He previously helped out in basketball camps in Utah, but this is his first solo camp.

The camp, open to kids ages 10 to 18, will cost $79 and includes a Hoopsaq basketball bag, a ball and other accessories.

Doleac will bring a few family members to help out this year. He hopes to bring fellow University of Utah alumni Alex Jensen, Andre Miller, also of the Denver Nuggets, and Keith Van Horn of the Milwaukee Bucks for future camps.

This year, Doleac will team up with coaches from the West Bonner County School District to teach shooting, dribbling and passing skills. Then, the kids will break up into teams of three for tournament play.

Gary Stewart, a basketball coach and business teacher for Priest River High School, plans to coach during the event.

He said the ability of both Newport and Priest River to attract an NBA player is no small feat and could pan out to be a big draw for the area. He added similar camps cost $200 to $300, which can put some small-town basketball fans out of the running.

“It’s nice for the little guy to be able to participate in something like this once in a while,” Stewart said.

He said coaches and volunteers also will benefit from the event by taking home a pro perspective and learning what it takes to make it to the next level.

Robin Clemens, owner of Club Energy health club in Newport, Wash., helped set up the event with her husband, Kevin Penttila.

She said more than 50 kids have already signed up for the camp. Organizers are receiving about 10 registrations a week and anticipate the event to fill up. Jaden Barrett, 11, of Priest River, was one of the first to sign up and hopes the camp will improve his game. He practices daily and favors offense because of the chance at last-second, game-winning shots.

“It will help a lot,” he said. “I’m pretty excited.”

The camp runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 23 and July 24. A ball signing will be held for participants at 12:45 p.m. on the 24th. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. July 23. Pre-registration forms are available at Club Energy or online at www.club-energy.com.

For more information, call Corrina Barrett, (509) 447-4273.