Desmond Bane played ball at local youth organization
Desmond Bane’s dedication on the basketball courts at Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, and later at Seton Catholic High School and Texas Christian University, paid off for his future.
The NBA Memphis Grizzlies shooting guard is now the honoree of the youth organization’s 23rd annual Smart Futures Dinner later this month. Bane will serve as the event’s featured guest speaker.
The event’s theme is “Growing Up Blue,” referring to the club’s iconic shirts worn during Bane’s youth.
While at Seton, Bane surpassed 1988 Indiana Mr. Basketball Woody Austin’s previous record of the most points scored in Wayne County history with 1,991. At TCU, he became a full-time starter as a sophomore, and was named to the All-Big 12 conference’s first team as a senior.
Bane was chosen No. 30 in the first round of the NBA draft and has played two years in the professional league.
Bane, who wears No. 22 for the Grizzlies, celebrated his 24th birthday on June 25.
In May, the Grizzlies fell in the NBA Playoffs to the eventual champions, the Golden State Warriors, after All-Star guard Ja Morant was injured and couldn’t return.
As Sports Illustrated noted, the young team is “clearly on an upward trajectory,” and Bane afterward tweeted that he appreciated the love from fans this season, and he would be “back to the labbbbbb.”
The BGC dinner is set for Tuesday, July 19, at Kuhlman Center on Wayne County Fairgrounds. It will celebrate the links between the club, the community and exceptional individuals, organizers say.
Those attending are encouraged to dress in “smart casual” clothes such as khakis and slacks. “If you feel good, you look good,” the invitation notes.
A social hour is planned at 6 p.m. before the 7 p.m. meal catered by Galo’s Italian Grill. Tickets are $75 each or $550 per table. Tickets are to be purchased by July 12 and are available at Eventbrite.com.
3Rivers is the event’s sponsor.
While in town, Bane also is offering a basketball skills academy for local youth from July 18-21 at the club’s headquarters, 1717 S. L St.
Bane’s camp will give athletes access to similar training concepts, progressions and programming that have helped him reach his goals and continue to improve each season, as well as games and competition throughout the week.
Alongside Bane and his trainer, Taylor Wayer, a group of established professional coaches/athletes and high-level skill development trainers will be present who share the same passion for developing youth as he does, promotional materials say.
Boys and girls in grades 4-8 can attend from 9 a.m.-noon those days, while high school boys can learn more from 1-4 p.m. Participation is $250. Registration is available through Eventbrite.
For more information, call 765-962-6922.