DETROIT (7/1/2015) -- Just getting an invite was notice enough, but for University of Detroit Mercy sophomore
Paris Bass, he was ready to make a name for himself and the Titan did just that at the First Annual Nike Basketball Academy.
Bass was among 27 NCAA Division I players to get invited to the First Annual Nike Basketball Academy, held this past weekend, June 26 – 29, at Santa Monica Airport's Barker Hanger in southern California.
"It was a great experience and I really enjoyed myself," said Bass. "There was a lot of competition from different schools and it brought a lot of great basketball players together."
The new Nike event combined its three skills academies into one. The Nike Basketball Academy brought together some of the best high school basketball players and a select group of college players to compete against the best and learn from some of the greatest players in the game. The new Basketball Academy combined what were previously the Lebron James Skills Academy, Kevin Durant Skills Academy and the Kyrie Irving/Anthony Davis Bigs and Points Skills Academies.
"Going there, I had a little chip on my shoulder and I definitely had something to prove," stated Bass. "Coming out of the camp, I think I really proved that I belong and I got a lot of compliments on my play."
The camp featured a number of NBA superstars in LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Paul George, Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, and Trey Burke to name just a few. Those in attendance had a chance to receive instruction and coaching and play against the stars of today's hardwood.
"Some of the positives that I received was that I have great length and I was able to break through the defense. The thing I need to work on the most is defense and getting my foot work together. Overall, the thing that was told to me the most is to remember the fundamentals," added Bass.
Bass received a lot of praise for his play and even made a splash on twitter as a video was released showing him getting by three-time NBA All-Star and two-time All-NBA First Teamer James Harden, finishing with a layup.
"I was nervous at first but he (Harden) gave me the confidence to get myself going and just do what I had to do," said Bass.
Bass was tabbed the Horizon League Freshman of the Year last season as he tallied 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. He topped the team in rebounding and blocks (35) and was second on the team in scoring and assists. His athleticism and skill was displayed twice on national television as he had two dunks featured during ESPN'S Sportscenters Top 10 plays of the day.
The full list of those college players in attendance is below.Kadeem Allen (Arizona)
Paris Bass (Detroit)
DeAndre Bembry (Saint Joseph's)
Antonio Blakeney (LSU)
Malcolm Brogdon (Virginia)
Isaac Copeland (Georgetown)
Tre Demps (Northwestern)
Kris Dunn (Providence)
Daniel Hamilton (Connecticut)
Buddy Hield (Oklahoma)
Justin Jackson (North Carolina)
Damian Jones (Vanderbilt)
Shawn Long (UL Lafayette)
Georges Niang (Iowa State)
Gary Payton Jr. (Oregon State)
Jakob Poeltl (Utah)
Taurean Prince (Baylor)
Domantas Sabonis (Gonzaga)
Ben Simmons (LSU)
Kaleb Tarczewski (Arizona)
Isaiah Taylor (Texas)
Jarrod Uthoff (Iowa)
Denzel Valentine (Michigan State)
Tyrone Wallace (California)
James Webb III (Boise State)
Troy Williams (Indiana)
Kyle Wiltjer (Gonzaga)
