Memphis -- Former University of Memphis basketball players Preston Laird and Antonio Anderson are putting together several basketball camps for children in Memphis. Below is the schedule.
Antonio Anderson & Friends Skills Academy Schedule8/3
10-12 Session #1 (Streets Ministries/Graham)
12:30 Lunch
2-4 PM Session #2 (Davis Community Center)
4:30-6 PM Session #3 (Victory University)
8/4
10-12 Session #4 (Streets Ministries/Downtown)
12PM Celebrity Game @ Streets Ministries – 430 Vance Avenue
Anderson also sent out a letter to the Blue & Gray nation asking for support. Below is the text.
Dear Tiger Family:
I am writing this letter to reach out and inform you about my career since leaving Memphis. Upon graduating from the University in May 2009, I began pursuing a professional basketball career. I traveled to Las Vegas, Nevada to train for the NBA draft. Unfortunately, I went undrafted but did get picked up by the Charlotte Bobcats. Following the preseason with the Bobcats, I got cut two days before the official NBA season started. This is when I decided to play in the D-League, where my team went on to win the NBA Developmental League championship. I was named an all star of the Developmental League, and got called up for my first ever NBA contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. My dream of becoming an NBA player since the age of 6 had finally come true.
After my tenure with Oklahoma City, I was in a number of NBA training camps trying to find a job. With limited options, I decided to sign a contract overseas in Germany. I played for about four months in Germany before suffering a career ending ailment. The doctor’s informed me that I had a disease called uveitis which impairs my vision, has prohibited me from playing to this day.
I found myself in a tug of war with my emotions. I could not believe the game I loved so dearly was taken away from me so suddenly. I turned to my main place of comfort and security, my mother. She told me that playing was not the only way to be around the game. From there on, I realized coaching was going to be my calling. I could give back to kids like me, who dream of playing in the NBA. Therefore, I came back to Memphis to give back to the city that embraced me for all my hard work and effort throughout my college career!
I am teaming up with Scott Robinson, my former graduate assistant and current Victory University Director of Athletics and head coach & his 501c3 non-profit organization, Dream 2 Discover You, to provide the Antonio Anderson & Friends Skills Academy. On Friday, August 3rd we are beginning a community initiative by holding youth basketball clinics and skill seminars throughout the city of Memphis, we will be concluding with a celebrity game on August 4th at 12 NOON at Streets Ministries, 430 Vance Avenue that we hope you can attend. Joey Dorsey and Chris Douglas-Roberts are just a few of my teammates that will be in attendance to lend their support.
Your donation will help give Memphis urban youth the opportunity to participate in the Antonio Anderson & Friends Skills Academy.
Please help us provide life-changing experiences by donating today to Dream 2 Discover You, a 501c3 non-profit organization. There is no specified donation level and all I can ask of you is to donate from the heart to assist our efforts. Please mail all donations to Dream 2 Discover You, 374 Winding River Circle #203, Memphis, TN 38120. Checks should be made payable to Dream 2 Discover You (please insert Skills Academy in memo line) and all donations are tax deductable.
Please contact Preston Laird at 901.239.3816 or plaird31@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Antonio Anderson
