The alarm clock buzzes away, marking another day of work at the Tony Barbee basketball camp. Most boys and girls, ranging in age from 7 to 18, would prefer to be in bed at 9 a.m., but not the campers. All were awake before the first whistle was blown.

“I used to wake up at five in the morning for football practice,” 13-year-old Josh Bush said. “So I was equipped to do this.”

Bush and his peers made the early morning trip to the Don Haskins Center. Each had different skill sets pertaining to their age, but all shared one common trait that brought them together.

“I like basketball,” 7-year-old Devin Jordan Howard said. “Basketball is fun and it’s a good sport.”

This love for the game was echoed throughout the campers, who went through the various drills and contests to showcase their talents. The court was filled with the bouncing balls and squeaking shoes, ready for the next whistle to be blown.

“We had a lot of competition during the camp,” Bush said. “Beat the buzzer and hot shot were competitive and helped improve my shooting and dribbling.”

The competition and the lessons taught the campers valuable life lessons, UTEP head men’s basketball coach Tony Barbee said.

“Basketball is a great game that teaches you different skills that will help you become successful in life,” Barbee said. “It teaches teamwork, communication, discipline and academics. The camps are a learning experience for all of the children involved. It is a safe environment where they can learn basketball.”

The Don Haskins Center and Memorial Gym were filled with contests and drills aimed at helping kids learn to play basketball. UTEP coaching staff and current players took time to participate in the youth training.

“Due to their rigorous schedule during the spring and fall, most of players do not have a lot of time to reach out and work with the kids,” Barbee said. “Most of them realize that’s where they were. Someone came and made a difference in their lives at this same time and they are returning the favor.”

Barbee encouraged participants to keep practicing the drills are being taught.

“The hardest thing for the kids is their ability to retain everything they learn,” Barbee said. “Most will not see an immediate improvement in the four-day camp, but I tell them, just like I do my players, to keep working at that drill through the rest of the summer. You can never stop getting better.”

The coaching staff and players emphasized the importance of academics to the participants. They strived to instill in them the importance of doing well in the classroom.

“We also teach the children what they will need to do in order to obtain scholarships when they do come to college,” Barbee said. “The camps were not just about the drills, they were made to help children succeed on and off the court.”

Two camps remain, July 23-26 from 9 a.m.- noon and July 30-2 from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

“I encourage my staff and the university to bring their children to the camps. It’s a good way for kids to learn basketball and get to know other players their own age,” Barbee said.

For more information, contact Mike Babul at the UTEP Basketball Office at 747-6233 or via e-mail at mgbabul@utep.edu.