Former Hoover basketball player and NBA champion hosts camp, inspiring next generation of players
HOOVER, Ala. —
Fresh off helping the New York Knicks end a 53-year championship drought, former Hoover High standout and former UAB player Trey Jemison is back home and using his platform to pour into the next generation.
Jemison went back to Hoover High School on Wednesday to host his first basketball camp in the same gym where his own dreams first began to take shape. For the young players on the court, it was a chance to learn fundamentals from someone who made it all the way to the NBA. For Jemison, it was a full-circle moment.
“Ephesians 3:20 talks about exceedingly and abundantly above all you can ask for and God has done that to me,” Jemison said. “That same faith God put in me I want to put in these kids that they can accomplish the same thing.”
The camp focused on the basics—footwork, form and follow-through—while also emphasizing life lessons beyond basketball. Jemison told campers that success starts with mastering the fundamentals, not just watching highlight reels. One of those campers was Ava Long, who said meeting a Knicks player made the experience even more exciting.
“To hear a Knicks NBA basketball player to say that I’m a good shooter and that I’m one of the best shooters at the camp is really big,” Long said. “Knowing that I’m that I’m good to get there is really, really good.”
Jemison also shared part of his personal journey and told campers his path to the NBA was built on faith, perseverance and hard work. He said he hopes young athletes leave the camp believing their own goals are within reach.
That impact is part of why Jemison was also honored Wednesday by the Jefferson County Commission. The commission recognized him for his commitment to giving back to the county and for promoting financial literacy. County officials said Jemison represents the very best of Jefferson County and shows young people that success is about more than talent.