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Sammy Linebaugh ReportingHe's traveled to 12 countries, across five continents as a professional basketball player in Europe and Mexico. This summer the former Weber State star is devoting his time to giving back right here in Salt Lake City.
Timmy Gibbs says basketball has always been his passion and he would have given anything at ten-years old for the chance to play with the pros.
Timmy Gibbs, Professional Basketball Player: "As a kid I really didn't have the opportunity to go out to basketball camps. We really couldn't afford it. A lot of the professional athletes were basically out of reach for us."
And that's why he's reaching out to kids at the Central City Community Center offering a free skills camp that helps young players focus on fundamentals.
Morgan Hesleph, Ten Years Old: "I’ve learned different passes. I’ve learned how to move my feet better.”
Michael Diniz, 11 Years Old: “How some NBA players have hard things they just can’t do. Like how Shaquille O’Neal can’t shoot a free throw very easily.”
Philip Harris, 13 Years Old: “We’ve worked on dribbling, defense and rebounding.”
For most kids at the camp, this is their first and only sports camp. Gibbs says helping them groove the right skills now will make all the difference down the road.
Timmy Gibbs: "Nowadays everybody wants to see the dunks and fancy dribbling and stuff like that, and kids are forgetting the fundamentals. And basically that's all coaches want out of kids."
Jack Hesleph, Parent: “I’ve heard he’s a great technician in basketball and he’s had a lot of recognition. And it just gives Morgan a chance to deal with somebody that he can look at as a role model.”
Morgan Hesleph, Camp Participant: “You have to do good in school. Have to get good grades and practice and practice until you get better.”
That's just some of the advice up and coming players have gotten from Gibbs in a series of camps over the past several weeks.
Timmy Gibbs played for the Mexican National Team last year and says he plans to head back to Mexico for the fall season.
