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THE OBSERVER | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14, 2013

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and instructors. “It’s fun to give back to son, who Hurley used in a lot the game I love,” said Farih, of his demonstrations. “It’s fun who will be a junior on the to learn from him.” Peacocks this season. “I want David Jr. was asked if it to teach the kids what I was was a little stressful being the taught. The potential is there center of the camp’s attention. for them to become good “Somewhat, because I was basketball players. I didn’t afraid that I might mess up,” play until my freshman year he said, laughing. at Kearny, so these kids are Hurley tried to use refergetting a head start. I see a ences that his audience might whole lot of energy out there. understand, like mentioning These kids want to learn, from boxing champion Manny Pac- beginning to end. I see myself quiao, who is from the Philip- wanting to be like these kids.” pines. The elder David was excited “The Filipino kids are terto see just how much his camp rific because they love basket- has grown. ball,” Hurley said. “It’s huge “It’s way better than I could in the Philippines. There’s so have expected,” David said. “It much diversity in Jersey City was a good turnout. Instead these days. You never can of being on a beach or playexpect to see one group.” ing video games, these kids The Hoopsville Cares group wanted to learn about basketfeatured kids from all races, ball. They’re dribbling and creeds and backgrounds. shooting. I’m very excited. I Mohamed Farih, the former don’t think it can get any betKearny High standout who ter than this. Coach Hurley remains on the St. Peter’s Uni- has a lot of drills to keep the versity roster after walking on kids interested.” to the team two years ago, was Hurley’s ball handling drills one of the camp’s counselors have been used at his camps

HOOPSVILLE from

for almost 40 years. “When you have really young kids, you have to make an effort,” Hurley said. “It’s the challenge of teaching that keeps you sharp. I’m running camps all summer, so I’m able to do new things there. I’m not trying to re-invent myself. It was different and fun. You could feel the energy, the basketballs bouncing in the building. It’s all part of the learning and I really enjoyed doing it.” David was in awe of Hurley’s presence. “He taught the kids things that they could do without having a hoop at home,” David said. “They can do the drills in their basements, in their backyard, in the driveway. The kids all had fun with it. It was awesome to see. When you have younger kids like this, they represent the future of the sport.” Photo by Jim Hague William Mullins is eight Julius David Sr. and his 12-year-old son, Julius Jr. of Kearny were part of years old. His father, Bill, is the Hoopsville Cares basketball camp that the David Sr. organized. the former head boys’ coach at Kearny High who still coaches that he wants to learn more. “I had a lot of fun and I feel the volleyball team. “I like to play basketball,” like I’m a better shooter now,” The younger Mullins said William Mullins said. “I like Benjamin said. “This was to learn about dribbling, but I cool.” like to shoot.” David was glad that his His 7-year-old brother, camp was a success. Matheus, was also a partici“Seeing the little kids do pant. the drills means a lot,” David “I want to play basketball said. “I think they retain more. because Dad was a coach,” It’s a misconception to think Matheus said. “I liked the that the little ones can’t pick knockout part, because I won.” up things. Well, we had 60 Knockout is a shooting and basketballs bouncing at once dribbling drill. and they were all doing it. It “It was a lot of fun and I was great.” was glad to be here,” Matheus And it was highlighted by said. an appearance from basketball Benjamin Minguito is an royalty. Not a bad thing at all. 8-year-old Kearny resident.

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