LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS) – The week of Wednesday, July 3, 2024, local kids were learning the game of basketball the Slay way.

NBA star and West Virginia native Tamar Slay hosted his second annual basketball camp at Lewisburg Baptist Academy, however this is his first year coaching at this camp.

A week before last year’s camp, Slay’s lungs collapsed, forcing him to go to the hospital for two months.

Slay is now healthy again.

Slay told 59News how he intends to help local basketball players. “It’s my duty to always come back here to West Virginia, share my story, try to inspire these kids, make them believe they can accomplish anything they set their mind to,” said Slay. “Because, you know, I wasn’t supposed to be there, but, you know, through great mentors, great coaching, great family, you know, and hard work I was able to make it all the way to the NBA.”

Slay’s main focus for the camp was to educate the kids on defense.

He also focused on helping kids hone in on their competitive nature to help them thrive in whatever career they pursue.

Slay also shared several NBA stories to enlighten the kids on his journey and some of the other star athletes he faced off against.

This camp lasted from Monday, July 1, 2024 to Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The camp accepted students from 2nd to 10th grade and paid a fee of $150. However, Slay was helpful for those who were unable to pay this fee.

Sixty kids were in attendance for this camp.

This camp was originally started because of a recommendation from Lewisburg Baptist Church member, Crystal Homer.