MVP Basketball Camp remains smash hit
BURBANK — Having retired in December following a 41-year run working for the city of Burbank in several capacities, Mike Graceffo hasn’t lost the passion to continue teaching the finer points of basketball.
Graceffo retired as Burbank Parks, Recreation and Community Services coordinator, a position that led to the longtime Burbank resident creating the MVP Basketball Camp in 2000.
The camp took off, as hundreds of Burbank residents made their way to facilities across town to learn from Graceffo. Graceffo would eventually conduct a similar camp during the winter.
Seventeen years later, the event continues to be a training ground for campers eager to learn. The latest rendition of the camp began Monday at Luther Burbank Middle School. The event will wrap up Thursday.
“This camp is something I’m very proud of and it’s always rewarding to see people come through the doors and want to find a way to improve,” said Graceffo, who is now a part-time coordinator at the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley and has coached multiple sports in the city for more than 35 years. “Even though I retired from the city, the city wanted to continue the program and I’m glad that’s what’s happening.
“We’ve developed a pretty good reputation working with the different range of kids, from beginners to the more experienced players. There’s a passion to teach them and there’s a passion they have for wanting to find ways to improve their overall skills. We definitely want to keep that going.”
About 50 participants, ages 10-14, attended the camp. The event had many returners and some newcomers looking to sharpen their skills.
A wide variety of drills are covered, ranging from proper stretching to dribbling to rebounding. Games are also played toward the end of the session, giving Graceffo time to evaluate the latest crop of talent. At the end of the event, the participants receive a certificate of participation and a personalized assessment book chronicling their strengths and areas they need to improve on.
“We want to give them something they can look at, so they can go practice it in a gymnasium or in their yard,” Graceffo said. “Take what you’ve learned and go and continue practicing so you have an advantage moving ahead.
“All you need is a basketball. There’s plenty of opportunities to find ways to get better if you put your mind to it and practice.”
Darren Zeledon, 12, attended the camp for the first time.
“I’ve known Mike for quite some time and he’s the perfect person to learn the game of basketball from,” said Zeledon, who attends John Muir Middle School. “I came to this camp to tighten up my shooting and ball handling.
“He wants you to do more than just attend the camp. He wants you do do the same things at home.”
Jonathan English agreed with Zeledon.
English, a student at Luther Burbank Middle School, appeared at the camp for the second straight summer.
“When I come to the camp, I feel like I have a higher IQ level for the game in different areas,” English said. “I’m trying to learn how to create some extra space when I’m dribbling, so I can step back and shoot.
“Mike demonstrates how to do the different drills. It’s easy to learn from him and his assistants because they are so specific.”
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
