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Chicago Bulls NBA star Luol Deng was born in Sudan, but spent a number of his formative years in his newly adopted home in London, England. His personal story is well documented, with his family coming to London in the ’90s, gaining asylum from the troubling issues that besieged his native land.

It was on the hallowed courts of Brixton Rec in South London that Luol first found the game of basketball. Following the lead set by older brother Ajou, Luol joined the Brixton Topcats basketball program and rapidly began to develop under the watchful eye of legendary coach Jimmy Rogers.

While at Brixton, Luol was instilled with a firm foundation of fundamentals, team work and discipline that would stand him in good stead when the chance came for him to go to the states and take his blossoming game mainstream. Luol certainly never forgot his adopted home - he gained full British citizenship in 2006 - and the impact the opportunity to learn to play the right way at Brixton eventually afforded him.

So it was fitting that once he made it to the NBA, one of his first ports of call was to give back to the English basketball community, specifically Brixton, by staging the Luol Deng Basketball Camp which puts an emphasis on teaching the fundamentals of the game and encouraging a camp mentality of hard work and fun.

Unlike most other camps that carry the name of the NBA star endorsing it, Luol is seen around camp every day, making sure he is available to help each camper improve in some way. With his easy going, down to earth nature, it’s easy to forget that he is the most talented and highest profile basketball player to ever make it out of the UK and into the NBA. However, you’re quickly reminded of the measure of his success during his inspirational end of camp speeches when he refers to LeBron James and Kobe Bryant as co-workers and everyday competition.

The camps are open to both boys and girls, predominantly at the under 18 age group, with a staff that continues to draw the best team of English coaches (including Coach Rogers). The content of the camp is all about hard work and player development, so for youngsters thinking they are there to just rub shoulders with the UK’s best ever player, think again.

At the camp, bring your game and get ready for one of the most challenging yet enjoyable experiences that you will ever have, and discover what you are really capable of as a player. If you’re under 18, based in the UK and looking to learn from the best - you already know where you need to be this summer.

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