Former NBA player Jason Thompson to host 16th annual youth basketball camp

Former NBA player Jason Thompson has helped more than 4,000 boys and girls across Greater Philadelphia develop their basketball and life skills over the past 16 years. Next month, Thompson’s JT Elite Basketball Camp, one of South Jersey's longest-running youth basketball camps, is returning for its 16th summer.

From Aug. 10 to 14, a short trip over the bridge to RiverWinds Community Center in West Deptford, New Jersey, will give boys and girls entering grades 2 through 12 an opportunity to build skills on and off the court.

This year’s camp will include not only elite basketball instruction, strong mentorship and an expert-led performance and recovery program, but also appearances by the Philadelphia 76ers Dunk Team, Squad 76 dancers and other special guests.

Thompson’s camp features direct mentorship and instruction from the eight-year NBA veteran, collegiate athletes, other professional players and experienced coaches who will work with campers to develop their confidence, leadership and basketball skills.

Campers receive lunch daily, an official camp T-shirt, a backpack filled with school supplies, access to guest speakers, and opportunities to compete for prizes and awards throughout the week.

Thompson, a Mount Laurel, New Jersey, native, was a standout collegiate athlete at Rider University before being selected No. 12 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. His eight-year NBA career included stops with the Philadelphia 76ers — though he was traded before appearing with the team — the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors.

After retiring, Thompson began his coaching career as an assistant at Rider before joining the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the G League affiliate of the Miami Heat. He later became an assistant coach with the Capital City Go-Go, the Washington Wizards' G League affiliate.

Through the JT Elite Basketball Camp and The Jason Thompson Foundation, Thompson has continually worked to make a positive impact on his local community, promoting healthy lifestyles, youth development and educational opportunities through sports and mentorship.

"Basketball is what brings these kids through the door, but it's the relationships, life lessons and confidence they build that stay with them long after camp ends," Thompson said via press release. "Every year, we look for new ways to make this experience even more impactful, and I'm excited for what we have planned this summer."

Online registration for this summer’s JT Elite Basketball Camp is now open, with limited space remaining. For more information on the JT Elite Basketball Camp and Thompson’s continued work throughout Greater Philadelphia, visit livelikejt.com

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