PINEDALE – More than 50 area youth converged at the Pinedale Aquatic Center (PAC) basketball courts Wednesday morning to learn a few tips and tricks from former NBA Jazzman Bryon Russell.

Russell’s career in the NBA spanned from 1993 to 2006, playing for the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets. During his time with the Jazz, he was part of teams that reached back-to-back NBA finals appearances in 1997 and 1998.

Russell was joined by Jr. Jazz program organizer Matt Cahoon. The pair led youngsters through games, shooting drills and a competition between attendees and Russell to cap off the hour-long clinic. Before departing the court, Russell signed autographs and posed for photos with the future basketball stars.

“It’s always fun for me,” Russell said of working with youth. “I love working with kids; these guys are our future.”

“It’s always great to see the community support; we had a great turnout,” PAC Recreation Coordinator Amber Anderson added. “To see someone who has excelled at a sport is definitely motivational for the kids.”

The Jr. Jazz Road Trip is set to travel more than 1,500 miles to 17 cities in three states, reaching more than 1,000 boys and girls in the first week of the tour. The clinic runs for three weeks, running through mid summer.