Toni Kukoc teaches hoops camp at Bulls/Sox Academy
Former Chicago Bulls star Toni Kukoc will help young basketball players develop their skills next month during his second annual camp in Lisle.
The Tony Kukoc Basketball Camp for boys and girls ages 6-17 will run June 22-26 at the Bulls/Sox Academy, 6200 River Bend Drive.
Kukoc and the academy coaches have developed a five-day curriculum focused on all the fundamental basketball skills: shooting, ballhandling, defense, free throws and footwork. Kukoc will work directly with the players teaching his techniques at each of the five days.
The camp will run from 9 a.m. to noon for 6- to 10-year-olds, followed by a session for 11- to 17-year-olds from 1 to 4 p.m. All participants will have the opportunity to receive an autograph and photo from the former Bulls forward.
The cost of the camp is $375 per athlete. Registration is open and space is limited.
"We are very excited to have the opportunity to have European superstar and three-time NBA World Champion Toni Kukoc bring his expertise to the youth athletes in Chicagoland again this summer," said Larry Stewart, general manager of basketball at the Bulls/Sox Academy.
"The children will have the opportunity to learn basketball fundamentals, have fun and truly be trained by a champion."
One of the most versatile and talented European players to ever play in the NBA, the 6-foot, 11-inch Kukoc was best known for his shooting touch and passing ability. His natural position was a small forward, but Kukoc could play all five spots on the court.
The "Croatian Sensation" started his professional career at the age of 17 for his hometown club, Jugoplastika Split. Throughout his career overseas, Kukoc won numerous MVP awards while leading his teams to a variety of league championships, including the prestigious EuroLeague Championships three years in a row (1989-1991).
Originally selected by the Bulls in the 1990 NBA draft, Kukoc continued to play in Europe until the 1993-94 NBA season. During that season, he made his debut with the Bulls where he had a very solid first season, averaging double-digits in scoring and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
With the return of Michael Jordan in 1995, Kukoc established himself as a contributor off the bench on a team that would go on to win three consecutive NBA World Championships (1996-1998). Kukoc won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 1996.
During his 13-year NBA career, he played for the Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks.
For more information about the Bulls/Sox Academy, or to register for the Toni Kukoc Basketball Camp, visit www.BullsSoxAcademy.com or call (630) 324-8221.