JaVale McGee’s Flint Pro-Am Taking Over Summer Hoops

Year two of the JaVale McGee Pro-Am began last weekend, once again sparking excitement throughout Flint for elite summer basketball. The success of last year's McGee Pro-Am is expected to continue under the leadership of NBA Champion JaVale McGee, a Flint-native who currently plays center for the Sacramento Kings, entering his 17th NBA season.

JaVale McGee, from a basketball family with a rich history, is supported by his mother Pamela McGee and his aunt Paula McGee, both basketball legends in Flint and USC alumni. Together, the twin sisters boasted an undefeated record (75-0) at Flint Northern High and led USC to consecutive national championships in '83 and '84. Pamela McGee, the 2nd overall pick in the 1997 WNBA draft, was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

JaVale McGee consistently gives back to his hometown through fundraisers and sponsorship of local travel basketball teams. According to Rory Jones, director of the McGee Pro-Am, the inaugural event was a resounding success:

Year one was great! Everybody came out and supported... We’re looking forward to more exciting moments in the gym this year.

Teams in the pro-am feature professional basketball players with overseas experience or NBA stints. Last year, former NBA player and local legend Morris Peterson participated. Teams also include players with decorated high school careers across Michigan, such as Malik Ellison (Eastern Michigan), Jalen Terry (Eastern Michigan), and Keyon Menifield (formerly of the University of Arkansas), who contributed to Flint Beecher High School's multiple MHSAA state championships. Additionally, Charlotte Hornets player Miles Bridges, another Flint-native, will lead his team "Team Bridges" in the pro-am league.

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The second annual JaVale McGee Pro-Am promises high-level basketball action every Saturday and Sunday at the International Academy of Flint. Attendance is free, offering Michiganders a thrilling summer spectacle.