Izzo And Other Coaches Visit Kuwaiti Sports Club
5/25/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
May 25, 2006
CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - Twelve NCAA Men's basketball coaches and sports personalities traveled to the Kuwaiti Sports Club to coach some of Kuwait's younger basketball players Thursday.
As part of their visit during Operation Hardwood II, the coaches spent two hours talking with local youth coaches and practicing with the children on the fundamentals of basketball.
Also on hand to see the exhibition practice was Richard LeBaron, the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait.
"The things we are here to do will help build their basketball game from the ground up," said Dave Odom, University of South Carolina head basketball coach.
Separating into six groups, the players spent time with each coach working on shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, lay-ups and defense.
"I had a great time, and I learned a lot," said Marwan Tariq Saleem, youth Kuwait basketball player. "I will remember this day forever."
The event concluded with the coaches signing autographs and taking a group picture with the players and coaches of the local teams.
The coaches are Tubby Smith, Kentucky; Tom Izzo, Michigan State; Mark Gottfried, Alabama; Gary Williams, Maryland; Dave Odom, South Carolina; Kelvin Sampson, Indiana; Rick Barnes, Texas; Bobby Lutz, UNC - Charlotte; Jim Crews, West Point; Reggie Minton, former Air Force Academy coach; Billy Lange, Naval Academy; and Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst. Sports correspondent Leeann Tweeden from the "Best Damn Sports Show" is also entertaining troops at the event.
Sgt. Robert Adams
Desert Voice assistant editor
