Knoxville’s own Dalton Knecht, a Vol for Life now playing in the NBA, returned to his hometown this past weekend to host his very first youth basketball camp, giving local kids a chance to learn from one of the city’s proudest success stories.

Knecht, who starred at the University of Tennessee before making it to the NBA, brought the camp back to Knoxville as a way to give back to the community that cheered him on through his college career. The event gave young players an up-close opportunity to train alongside a professional athlete who knows exactly what it takes to rise through the ranks.

For many of the young participants, the chance to share the court with an NBA player right here in Knoxville was an experience they won’t soon forget. Events like these not only sharpen basketball skills but also inspire the next generation of athletes to dream big — and to see that those dreams can start right at home.

It’s the kind of homecoming that reminds Knoxville fans why they cheer so loudly for their Vols, long after they’ve moved on to the biggest stages in sports.

Sources: WATE 6 On Your Side