Coach Alvin Brooks recaps Lamar’s Rising Prospect Camp

Everywhere Alvin Brooks has been during his coaching career, whether it was Texas A&M, Kentucky or Houston, “elite” basketball camps were always a summer staple. 

Brooks wants Lamar University to be no different, and some major talent came to Beaumont on Tuesday for a one-day training session. 

More than 100 high school players converged on Lamar’s campus earlier this week for the Cardinals’ Rising Prospects Camp. Players grades 9-12 showed up to the event from around the state, eager to learn from Lamar’s coaching staff.

Meanwhile, independent talent evaluators, high school coaches and media members all watched from the stands, getting a glimpse of the talented group. 

“It’s really a win-win for everyone,” Brooks said of the camp. “It allows us to market our Lamar brand while putting eyes on some of the best players in the state.”

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In planning the event, Brooks and his staff expected around 50 kids for the camp. However, while attending the TABC Boys Showcase at Duncanville High School last weekend, more and more players kept expressing interest in attending. 

Per NCAA regulations, the camps cannot be invite-only and must be open registration. Brooks wasn’t about to deny anyone, either. 

By the time Tuesday rolled around, the camp had reached its limit with more than 100 players ready to arrive in Beaumont. Those players included some high-level talent from Beaumont and beyond. 

Four-star, Beaumont United guard Wesley Yates was in attendance, as were his Timberwolves teammates, Clarence Payia and Kayde Dotson, who each have scholarship offers from Lamar. 

Related: LU basketball offers two Beaumont United sophomores

Dink Pate, a 2024 forward from the Dallas area, was probably the most highly-touted camp attendee besides Yates. He has an offer from Lamar, as well as a long list of major conference schools such as Arizona, UCLA, Auburn, Texas, Texas A&M and many more. 

Brooks can’t speak on individual recruits prior to them signing, per NCAA regulations, but he praised the type of talent that Lamar was able to attract to the camp. Multiple players announced offers from Lamar on Tuesday night after the camp, including Jamal Chretien (Mayde Creek High School) and Shelton Henderson (Bellaire High School). 

“I think we really created a buzz around the kind of camp this was in Beaumont,” Brooks said. “It’s all about building relationships, and the camp is designed to do that.”

Related: Decades later, Alvin Brooks is a changed coach at LU

The camp was $50 to attend, but gave players a full day of training and exposure. It was set up something like an NBA Combine experience, Brooks said. 

First, players divided into different stations. There was a photo shoot at registration, followed up a vertical test, small games and various shooting drills. Players were then separated into teams to run 5-on-5, which is when the real highlights started. 

“The venue was packed,” Brooks said. “It was really a great day for us.”

Lamar has hosted multiple camps earlier this summer for younger players in the area. Now, Brooks’ attention will turn back to the recruiting trail during the various windows allowed by the NCAA. 

The Cardinals team will have summer workouts starting July 5, then have a break throughout August until practices start in the fall. 

Matt Faye is a Sports Reporter and Columnist for the Beaumont Enterprise. Contact him at MFaye@BeaumontEnterprise.com or on Twitter by clicking here. 

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