Mindaugas Kuzminskas.
(NBPA)
Every week, the NBPA will recap a recent collection of NBA players’ off-the-court activities. From camps to community work to personal celebrations and much more, we’ll take a look at what players do in their free time to highlight their interests and achievements in different ways.
This week, it’s Mindaugas Kuzminskas continuing his studies, players working on youth basketball camps and going on promotional trips to China, and Jimmy Butler arriving in Minnesota.
Kuzminskas Goes Back to School
The Knicks forward posted a photo on Instagram announcing that he’ll be going back to his home country to earn a Master’s degree from Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, Lithuania. Kuzminskas was at VMU previously before the NBA, studying economics while playing for the school’s basketball team.
James Michael McAdoo Hosts Camp in Kenya
McAdoo’s four-day event called “1 Died 4 All” is a Christian basketball camp that resembles one he went to as a child. In an article from The Standard – Kenya, he expressed his desire to host such a camp. “My life was impacted by a similar camp I attended when I was 11 years old,” he said. “I promised to do the same for other unfortunate children in the U.S. and around the world.”
He also mentioned the NBA potential he sees in Kenyan players. “We want the children to dream big,” he said. “We want them to have strong work ethics, which will propel them to greater heights. We want them to be totally dedicated to their dreams.”
1st day of 1Died4All bball camp in Nairobi, Kenya was great! Had about 130+ kids learning about the love of Jesus Christ and working hard! pic.twitter.com/HuVPLfqDEH
— James Michael McAdoo (@jamesmcadoo) June 26, 2017
Hump day at 1 Died 4 All here in Nairobi was amazing! Had almost 200 campers! Dad taught bible and a bunch of kids responded to the word! pic.twitter.com/9RShiIJAmO
— James Michael McAdoo (@jamesmcadoo) June 28, 2017
Chandler Parsons’ Two Basketball Camps
The Grizzlies forward first visited Wrightsville Community Center in Little Rock, Ark., where he was hosted by the National High School Basketball Association.
The second appearance was in his NBA home of Memphis, where he surprised kids at the Memphis Athletic Ministries.
.@ChandlerParsons partnered with @FedEx Cares to surprise kids at @MAM_Sports in Memphis with a basketball clinic.#GrindCity #TeamISE pic.twitter.com/mwoXzXzjD3
— ISE Basketball (@ISEBasketball) June 29, 2017
Players’ Promotional Trips to China
Klay Thompson and Lou Williams are both in China with their sneaker sponsors. The Warriors champion began his Anta tour this week, visiting Chengdu and holding a three-point exhibition in Zhengzhou.
Meanwhile, Williams is in Beijing with Peak Sports.
Butler Visits Minnesota Pro Teams
Butler, who was recently traded to the Timberwolves, stopped by the Twins at Target Field and the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. He got a sneak peek at the Twins’ locker room and was presented with a jersey from the the team’s bear mascot, T.C. It was customized with his last name and No. 23, the number he’ll be wearing for the Timberwolves.
We were excited to host @JimmyButler at Target Field today! pic.twitter.com/wIozWUEirL
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 28, 2017
During his time with the Vikings, Butler met defensive end Everson Griffen and toured the team’s stadium.
Thanks for the visit today, @JimmyButler!
Hope to see you at a game this season.
📷: https://t.co/q1GPGJItl5 pic.twitter.com/nnEFBtEkDm
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 28, 2017
