The rage among big time travel team basketball clubs is to be sponsored by an NBA professional in addition to receiving shoe company support, ensuring at minimum financial viability in a space where fiscal concerns dominate. Doing so makes sense, a lot of it actually as it costs to train, travel and compete kids in tournaments/leagues. And shoe companies generally are not generous in support.

Team Durant, named after one of the best players on the planet, Kevin Durant, is one such outfit, a group chock full of talent that travels the nation to play, particularly in Nike's EYBL competition.

In service to their players, Team Durant's high school aged boys and girls were given a treat last week - the squad's namesake conceptualized and attended the first annual Kevin Durant Elite Skills Camp. Just ask the organization's Director, Wayne Pratt.

Said Pratt real time, who is also Kevin Durant's father "It's going great. A lot of talent out here that speaks to the future of the organization". He went on to shared "i'm really excited that Kevin is really involved, And he really put this together, wanted to do it for the kids and wanted to give in to his organization.".

In the opinion of Pratt and many more "And that's always a plus to have your pro come in and just really give some knowledge to the kids. It's been amazing, the kids have been enjoying it. We as coaches have enjoyed it, and just watching Kevin interact with the kids has been amazing.

"The first day they were a little star struck. And then after interacting with him and seeing how down to earth he is...like he was a big brother teaching them something. And that's what we wanted, to be a family oriented camp".

{See the exclusive video after this section, where Pratt discusses not only the camp, but Team Durant's progress, collaborating with DMV Hoops writ large and possible organizational next steps}.

How did some of the players - over 40 girls and boys attended - see benefiting from Durant and camp?

Babatunde Oladotun, a rising Class of 2027 forward was one of the first to engage with Durant, as during first day's lunch he worked out with and gleaned know-how from the NBA All Star and future hall of famer.

"Definitely a high attention workout" said Oladotun on training with and learning from Durant. "(He's ) One of the best to ever do it...Learned a lot of tricks, was very exciting".

Brandon Holmes, a '25 forward agreed, while also noting of the camp generally "I love it here, just the environment, getting better, competing against guys I've been playing with for awhile. Just pushing me to get better".

A female camper, '25 guard Kalea Murphy concurred, noting concisely "My experience has been great. it's definitely taught me about persistence, consistency and hustle and drive. It's all about mental. If you don't have the right mental, it's no point in it'.

Below are exclusive interviews with male campers, along with links to relevant and related, tweets.

Expect more of this going immediately forward, plus a female version along with photos seen nowhere else!

Premium Court holds still more coverage!

Babatunde Oladotun - 6'6", 170 pound '27 forward, Dematha (MD) - One of the youngest campers there, Oladotun certainly impressed, displaying midrange shooting, length for rebounding and a strong work ethic.

Must get stronger going forward. Doing so will allow him to take/give bumps and play more aggressively on a consistent basis.

Access the following video where he raps about camp, working with Kevin Durant, utilizing info learned plus what Team Durant has done/is doing for him.

JJ Massaquoi - 6'4" 215 pound Class of 2025 F/G, Jackson-Reed (DC) - A rough and tumble guy, Massaquoi is improving his perimeter skills, thereby allowing him to maximize his collegiate career.

During an interview, he discussed his transfer to Jackson-Reed and expectations there, opinion of Team Durant, camp, recruitment including offers from Bowie State and Howard plus other's showing interest in addition to skill development.

Brandon Holmes - 6'9", 230 pound '25 forward, Mt. St. Joes (MD) - Few have improved as much as Holmes, who now regularly bangs outside shots and has counters on his post moves. He and the organization have truly worked well with one another.

Talked the camp, his development, upcoming MSJ season and it's Coach Clatchey, path to Team Durant, recruiting offers and interest plus the role of Al Jefferson in his effort to improve.

Continued shooting work and expanded general physical development will elevate his game in high school and college.

Royce Parham - 6'9", 21520 '24 forward, Case Western (OH) - Check out this tweet presenting Royce Parham, future Marquette Golden Eagle who proved himself a versatile and intelligent performer.

Kaylen Chilton - 5'11, 160 pound '27 G, WT Woodson (VA) - More of a scorer now, Chilton has embraced becoming a lead guard, with the development showing. Can shoot from deep - won a shooting contest. Is potentially the next great WT Woodson guard.