The Elston Turner Summer Youth Basketball Camp at Austin‑East High School ran from Monday through Saturday, welcoming 115 campers between the ages of six and seventeen. The event, presented by the Emerald Youth Foundation, marks nearly four decades of operation, having been held almost 40 times since its inception in 1983.
Turner, a former NBA player and coach who led Austin‑East to a 1977 Class AAA state championship and later played at Ole Miss, used the platform to comment on evolving basketball trends. He noted a measurable decline in outdoor court usage and highlighted how the rise of three‑point shooting is reshaping skill development among today’s youth.
Notable Participants and Community Impact
Among the campers, 7‑year‑old Mazi Bates stands out as the top‑ranked player in Tennessee and No. 22 nationally by Top 25 Scouts. Former Ole Miss teammate James Sandrige and University of Tennessee freshman Jacolby Cooper also attended, underscoring the camp’s role in connecting past and present talent. Long‑time camp staffer Bruce Taylor missed this year’s session due to hip surgery, a reminder of the physical demands placed on veteran volunteers.
Beyond individual achievements, the camp continues to serve as a hub for youth development in Knoxville, offering mentorship, fitness instruction, and a sense of belonging for participants from diverse backgrounds. Its enduring presence reflects a commitment to nurturing the next generation of players and community leaders.