Fred VanVleet, on the cusp of free agency, puts focus on fans and youth in his hometown

Posted By: mwfstaff
June 24, 2023 @ 4:17 pm
815BLOG, Local Sports, Positive & Inspiring, Sports, Top Stories

Rockford native and NBA free agent Fred VanVleet, right, jokes with New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the FVV Summer Camp at Auburn High School in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — When Fred VanVleet gave young basketball players the chance to ask him questions Saturday at his annual summer camp, one fired away with the question that’s on everyone’s mind.

“Who do you want to play for,” the soon-to-be NBA free agent was asked.

“I don’t know,” VanVleet responded. “We’ll find out in about 10 days.”

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The 29-year-old Auburn High School graduate, NBA All-Star and NBA champion enters free agency in July after declining his $22.8 million player option. VanVleet is expected to be sought after by several teams in free agency, and Sports Illustrated reported that the Toronto Raptors are preparing a “big money offer” to keep him with the team where he has played all seven NBA seasons.

But this weekend is all about VanVleet giving back to his hometown community by giving young players mentorship and instruction and giving fans a chance to get face time with the local sports star.

VanVleet hosted a block party on Friday afternoon and the upscale Bet on Yourself Ball on Friday evening at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront Hotel.

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On Saturday, he hosted the first day of the two-day FVV Summer Camp, giving hundreds of youth basketball players the chance to hone their skills.

VanVleet wasn’t the only NBA player in attendance. New Orleans Pelicans point guard Jose Alvarado was also on hand. Alvarado, like VanVleet, worked his way from being an undrafted free agent splitting time between the NBA and the D-League to becoming a key part of his team.

The free camp is open to boys and girls in grades 5 through 12 and continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Auburn High School field house, 5110 Auburn St., Rockford.