By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
Damien Wilkins is returning to school for the second time this summer.
His first was as a student. The Washington native and five-year NBA veteran returned to the University of Georgia to finish one class, and earn his degree.
“I had been putting it off for five years,” Wilkins said. “I decided this summer to go back and get it done. It felt good to get it done and get my degree.”
Wilkins’ second return to school will be as a teacher. He’ll guide kids during his annual basketball camp, which will be held today and Friday at P.S. Jones Middle School.
Francis Williams returns to help Wilkins at the camp.
“It should be a good time,” Wilkins said.
The camp for 6-8th graders will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, while the camp for 9-12th graders will run from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. each day. Participants should arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the camp each day.
Wilkins believes a future star may be in the crowd.
“Somebody out there might have that same drive, determination and love that I have,” Wilkins said. “Somebody has it. It might not be in the form of athletics, but one of those kids has it.
“My job is to encourage at least one more kid to go for his or her dreams. If I can get to that one kid, I‘ve done my job.”
Basketball camp applications may be returned to the front desk at any Beaufort County middle or high school or the Central Services Office at 321 Smaw Road in Washington.