Local college player hosts free youth basketball camp in Riverside

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) — A local college basketball player gave back to the community by hosting a free youth basketball camp in Riverside.

His goal was to provide these kids with a positive, energetic and safe environment to grow and be inspired.

This free youth basketball camp brought together dozens of kids for a day that was full of learning and empowerment.

“The kids are getting a lot of one-on-one. They’re interacting with the kids, showing them how to dribble the ball and shoot the ball,” Cajuana Mallard, a mother from Riverside, said.

This was all made possible thanks to David Odinigwe, a basketball player at La Sierra University in Riverside.

“Growing up in Victorville, there weren’t very many avenues to play basketball. Everything costs money, and let’s be real, it’s not the wealthiest area, so doing this camp, I afford the opportunity to the less privileged youth to enjoy the game of basketball and fall in love with the sport that I fell in love with,” Odinigwe said.

Odinigwe started this free basketball camp in 2023 and has been doing it since thanks to a team of volunteers.

“I’m here out of the love for the game and the love I have for Dave. He’s doing a great thing for the community, and this is something I would’ve wanted to do as a kid,” player development coach Kaipo Villeza said. “I get a lot of fulfillment and satisfaction knowing that I’m helping the next generation.”

Over 50 kids spent the day learning basketball drills and refining their skills, some as young as 5 years old.

“It’s all for the joy of the game. It’s our way of giving back to the game that brought us so much joy,” Odinigwe said.

Every child walked away with a free T-shirt, fond memories and new skills to show off on the basketball court.