April 28, 2016
Getting to Know: DeShawn Henry, Durango High School Head Coach
DeShawn Henry boasts an established 17 year coaching resume. Coach Henry enters his ninth year as the Trailblazers Head Coach, fifth year as Camp Director at the Nike Basketball Camp at Durango High School in Las Vegas, and has also had coaching experiences with the Nike Blazers Camp and LeBron Skills Academy. As Head Coach at Durango High School, Henry was named Coach of the Year in 2013-14 and 2015-16 and has helped 43 of his players advance to college basketball with 13 of them playing at the NCAA Division I level. Coach Henry has dedicated his high school program and Las Vegas Nike Basketball Camps to developing successful players, fostering strong relations, and stressing the importance of academic excellence to his student athletes.
What is your favorite camp drill?
My favorite drill for camp is really a “game” that every camper LOVES: it’s full court Buzzer Beaters! Campers have 4.5 seconds to dribble the length of the court and shoot a “buzzer beater.” Since every kid dreams of making the “game winning shot,” they are eager to take advantage of the opportunity to hit the buzzer beater.
What is the key to an incredible camp experience for you?
The key for an incredible camp experience is working with coaches and campers who want to get better every day. We design our camp to build on skills all week, so our campers can improve on those skills daily. When the entire camp is progressively improving…that’s amazing!
Your perfect camper on Day #1 arrives with what qualities?
They arrive with a smile and a “can do” attitude. Those campers have a fantastic week at camp.
Favorite activity at camp?
My favorite camp activity is “Camper of the Day”! Each day, at the conclusion of camp, we choose a camper who has had a tremendous day. Maybe, he/she worked really hard or learned a new skill or played really well. To see the face light up when we call out the winning name is always priceless.
Go-To Nike Gear?
Nike Elite Socks…who doesn’t like socks?! We are always looking for ways to give-away Elite Socks to campers. We also like shoes here, so we encourage campers to wear their brightest, freshest “kicks” to camp….Then we recognize those campers by posting “Kick of the Day” on our Instagram page.
Which college or pro player do you make it a point to watch play?
Steph Curry: he is unreal and so much fun to watch!
For more information on Nike Basketball Camps visit https://www.ussportscamps.com/basketball/nike/ or contact 1-800-NIKE-CAMP (645-3226).