Dennis Smith Jr., a former NBA first-round lottery pick, invests in the next generation through the game he loves. In partnership with The Two-Six Project, the Fayetteville native hosted his annual youth basketball camp and invitational tournament from Friday, July 3rd, through Saturday, July 4th, bringing together athletes, families, coaches, and the community for two days centered on basketball, mentorship, and fun.
Young athletes from across the region took part in skill development sessions, basketball instruction, and mentorship led by Smith. The event also featured a competitive invitational tournament, with teams from across North Carolina battling for a $10,000 grand prize. The event created a community atmosphere with local vendors, including Chef Marc Somar, executive director of The Two-Six Project and owner of Ikey’s Burgers. Dre’Shawn ‘DJ Ricoveli’ Spearman, who’s also the CEO of Riich Villainz Inc. and the official tour DJ for The Backend Child, served up music for the crowd.
The annual event is part of the Two-Six Project’s Sports Initiative, one of several programs dedicated to eliminating financial barriers for student-athletes. Through free clinics, instructional camps, tournament fee waivers, travel assistance, and other resources, the initiative helps ensure that talented young athletes have access to opportunities regardless of their financial circumstances.
The Fayetteville-based nonprofit, founded by Morehouse grad Grant Bennett, serves under-represented youth through intentional exposure, education, leadership development, and community engagement. Over the past six years, The Two-Six Project has built partnerships with organizations including Google, Microsoft, Dreamville, and the NBA to expand its impact across the Southeast.
For Smith, whose basketball journey began on the same courts that inspired many of the campers in attendance, the weekend for him represented an opportunity to invest in the city that molded him from Fayetteville’s Tera Gardens into a star athlete. Smith’s continuing partnership with The Two-Six Project reflects a shared commitment to creating pathways for young people both on and off the court.
As the final buzzer sounded, the weekend highlighted the importance of community and mentorship, demonstrating the impact of hometown leaders giving back. For the young athletes who participated, the lessons learned and memories made will likely last far longer than the games themselves.
