Thomas Bryant, a Rochester native and NBA forward, returned to his hometown this summer to run an annual basketball camp that blends skill drills with life lessons.
A lesson in confidence on the court
The week‑long program, staged on the familiar courts of Bishop Kearney, the school he once starred for, attracted dozens of youngsters eager to sharpen their ball‑handling, passing and shooting under the guidance of Bryant and a cadre of volunteer coaches.
Speaking to the campers, Bryant repeatedly reminded them that belief in oneself is the first step toward achievement, echoing his own mantra: "If I can do it, you can do it."
The culmination of the event saw Rochester Mayor Malik Evans present Bryant with a ceremonial key to the city, acknowledging the player’s commitment to community service and youth development.
Participants left the gym not only with improved fundamentals but also with a renewed sense of possibility, a sentiment that organizers hope will ripple through the city’s neighborhoods long after the final whistle.