Panther Basketball Academy: Teaching Excellence On and Off the Court
Published: April 13, 2021
Over 200 kids ages eight to seventeen attended Greenville College's annual Panther Basketball Academy June 20-24. Panther Basketball Academy is a co-ed, week-long, overnight camp focused on sharpening fundamental basketball skills and personal growth.
Rivaling other five-star basketball camps around the country, there is no lapse in quality at Panther Academy. "The only difference between our camp and other five-star camps like the ones run at University of Kentucky is that ours is Christian based," explains Camp Director and Greenville College Men's Basketball Coach George Barber. "We include skill stations, contests, drills and fundamentals, as well as the elements of personal and spiritual growth." Panther Academy strives to use basketball as a platform to help kids grow spiritually, while also instilling the values of sportsmanship and team unity.
Each day, campers participate in basketball fundamental drills, 5-on-5 games, and daily "ink what you think" challenges. During "ink what you think" challenges, campers are encouraged to write down goals, "attaway cheers," and "put-ups" (encouraging words) they can use to support their teammates and themselves throughout the day.
Personal and spiritual growth is a unique aspect of Panther Academy and is emphasized just as much as hard work on the basketball court. Campers attend chapel each night followed by small group devotions and debriefing lead by camp coaches. Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will." is the cornerstone of the spiritual mission at Panther Academy. Campers are challenged to think about how they can put Romans 12:2 into practice on and off the basketball court. "Without a doubt, my favorite part of camp is seeing kids succeed on the basketball court and grow spiritually. When I hear a kid say he or she is willing to make a stand for God I know we are making an impact," says Coach Barber.
There is so much potential for athletic and personal growth in a camp setting and Coach Barber and his staff makes sure that Panther Academy is a premiere experience for all the kids in attendance. "Not every kid will make their varsity basketball team, or be an athletic hero in their hometown, but here they all have the opportunity to make a winning shot," says Barber, "This may be the most positive basketball experience kids have and I want them to walk away confident and encouraged."
Coach Barber's vision for excellent basketball training and personal growth is clear, "I love putting on this whistle, these tennis shoes, and these gym shorts every day; this is my business suit. I have a lot of fun doing this job and I enjoy being a part of kid's lives. I hope they all leave Panther Academy better players and better people."
