Former Utah Jazz forward Thurl Bailey made an appearance at Helper Middle School Wednesday afternoon, giving local youth instruction on the game of basketball. The free clinic was in conjunction with Carbon Recreation’s Junior Jazz program.

For over an hour Bailey worked on the fundamentals of basketball with over 30 kids in attendance. After multiple shooting and dribbling drills, Bailey gave the group a talk about following their dreams.

“I was a rookie when the Junior Jazz program started,” said Bailey following the clinic. “I set out in the summer to help kids and hopefully give them a positive message. It’s a great thing for me, and hopefully for them too.”

Bailey, who played 13 seasons in the NBA, was selected by the Jazz 7th overall in the 1983 NBA Draft. Playing for both Frank Layden and Jerry Sloan during his two stints with the Jazz, he also played for legendary college coach Jim Valvano at North Carolina State, winning a NCAA championship in 1983.

“Jerry Sloan and Jim Valvano were two guys that had a great and positive affect on my basketball career, but on my personal life and probably even more so,” said Bailey. “All of the things they taught me on the court and off the court are things that I use and I teach my kids. They can learn so much about themselves through this simple game.”

Bailey will have an added interest to basketball in the Castle Country for the upcoming season. His nephew Cam Bailey, a 6’6” forward from Orem, has transferred from Dixie State to play his sophomore campaign at USU-Eastern. Bailey said he looks forward to attending a few games this year and also talked about what spectators can expect to see from his nephew.

“I think he wants it really bad. He’s a powerful player, and I’m excited for him to come here and show what he has,” Bailey said of his nephew. “He’s a Bailey, so he better provide something (down low).

Originally scheduled to take place at the B-DAC on the campus of USU-Eastern, a venue change was necessary for the clinic because of ongoing renovations taking place at the gym. Following the clinic Bailey posed for pictures and signed autographs for everyone who attended the event.

Listen to Bailey’s complete interview here: