Handy returning to Hawai'i for camps
By Stanley Lee
Advertiser Staff Writer
Former University of Hawai'i basketball player Phil Handy has been meaning to give back to the local community.
This week, he'll finally have that chance.
Handy, who played for UH in the mid-1990s, will be hosting two basketball camps at Manoa Valley District Park.
"I wanted to come back to do something for the local community and bring something back to them," said Handy, who now lives at Sacramento, Calif. "When I was in Hawai'i, I had nothing but love for the people. They welcomed me very much. It was like another place of home for me in Hawai'i."
The first camp on Thursday and Friday will focus on the fundamentals of shooting. The camp runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. each day and the $65 entry fee includes a T-shirt.
The second camp is Aug. 9 to 12 and focuses on the different fundamentals needed to become a complete player. The camp runs from 9 a.m. to noon each day and the $150 entry fee includes a reversible top, shorts and T-shirt.
NBA players Chucky Atkins and Tony Delk will be serving as guest coaches. The camps are open to boys and girls between seventh and 12th grade and players must have some sort of basketball experience.
Handy led UH to the Western Athletic Conference title and a NCAA Tournament appearance in 1994. He later went on to play for Golden State and Portland in the NBA. He also played professionally in Italy, France, Israel, England and Australia.
He said his pro career "opened up a lot of doors," taught him how to get along with people from all walks of life and made him more well-rounded.
"It really opened me up to be a mature individual, explore different cultures, see people and make friends from around the world," Handy said. "Those were invaluable experiences."
Camp proceeds will go to the Taylor Delk Sickle Cell Foundation, an organization that assists research and program assistance in the sickle cell community.
For more information and registration, contact Handy at (916) 928-3707 or ninety4ftofgame@aol.com or Elizabeth Tsuruda at 988-4747.
Reach Stanley Lee at slee@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8533.
