VENTURA : Phoenix Suns’ Forward Steps Up for Youth

The children’s questions for Phoenix Suns forward Cedric Ceballos came rapid fire.

“Are you rich?” (No.)

“What is your shoe size?” (Fifteen.)

“Do you have a limo?” (No.)

“Are you married?” (No.)

“What’s the highest number of points you ever scored in a game?” (Forty.)

The exchange between the former Ventura College star and youngsters at the Boys & Girls Club of Ventura highlighted a press conference Monday, where Ceballos promoted a two-day charity event Aug. 26-27.

The Boys & Girls Club and Ventura College men’s basketball program expect to raise at least $40,000 from a dinner, sports auction, basketball clinic and alumni game.

Ceballos, who is donating his time, said the Ventura College program “helped me to get where I am. So I want to contribute any way possible.”

The highlight of the morning press conference was when the 6-foot-7 star moved to the club’s gym floor and was peppered with questions by about 80 youths.

“I am a kid at heart,” Ceballos said afterward, “and I want to keep their life expectations in perspective.” Ceballos said children need to understand that only a few people can be basketball stars, so children should work hard toward goals they can reach.

Eleven-year-old Iresha Lee said she was impressed with Ceballos’ dedication to the youth club after so many years.

“I think that it is special that he comes back to Ventura to help the Boys & Girls Club,” Iresha said. “I don’t know anybody that famous who has done that for us.”

The dinner and sports auction will take place Aug. 26 at the Doubletree Hotel in Ventura. Both Ceballos’ basketball clinic and the alumni game will be held the next day at the college gym.

For more information call Jeff Bowling or Deby Tygell at 641-5585.