10-year-old Michael and his younger brother Liam got a chance to go 1v1 against Green.
Dozens of young hoopers left with unforgettable memories after attending Jalen Green’s fourth annual basketball camp at Clovis East High School in August. Some of the rising stars left with hilarious memories of the NBA star emphatically swatting their shot attempts. Others remember the baskets they scored against Green or the advice he shared with them.
For 10-year-old Michael Curry III and his younger brother, Liam, they will never forget the opportunity to go 1v1 with Green. It was a surreal moment for the brothers as Green chose them from a long line of kids and gave them a chance to test their skills against him.
It was of course a tall task for the brothers as they each got a turn to show their skills against the Houston Rockets star. Nevertheless, they were happy to shoot their shot, even when Green tightened the defense.
The Curry brothers, who also met Green at his camp a year ago, regularly watch the Rockets guard throughout the NBA season. Like many NBA fans, the pair are mesmerized by Green’s electrifying dunks. But the Curry family also feels closer to Green because they share the same Filipino background.
Michael Curry II, the father of Michael and Liam, said Green is adding to the growing popularity of basketball in the Philippines as he continues to inspire young people like his sons.
“It was cool for me seeing hoopers, upcoming hoopers like my kids go against or play with (Jalen Green) and be a part of something from Fresno, Central Valley and Jalen Green he’s part Filipino just like my kids are, so it was cool to see,” the proud father said. “And my cousin actually was one of the judges when Jalen Green went to the Philippines to do the dunk contest, so it was cool to see my cousin being one of the coaches to help out.”
Michael and Liam are already talking about the goals they want to achieve in the future. One of those goals, Michael said, is to get a college scholarship. Such types of goals of course require relentless work. This was the same message Green relayed to the hoopers at his camp.
“If you work hard, you can achieve what you want to achieve, no matter it’s in basketball or whatever you want to be,” Green said in an interview at his camp.
The 22-year-old NBA guard plans to keep inspiring the Curry brothers and many hoopers growing up in the Central Valley.
“This is where I grew up. This is where I became who I became … I just wanna give back to the community, the youth of the game in Fresno. That’s why I keep coming back,” Green said.