NBA stars scheduled to 'ball for it all" in Indianapolis

Brandon Cameron was the leading scorer in West Side's 2002 state championship win over Indianapolis Pike. He had a scholarship to Penn State, then transferred to IUPUI.

His dream, of course, was to play in the NBA.

It never happened but Cameron was smart enough not to chase that elusive dream overseas until it was too late.

He was ready for Stage 2 of his life and found it with Indianapolis-based Knox Pro Train LLC, which works with WNBA and NBA players such as Hoosier natives George Hill of the Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Randolph.

"We do training year-around from middle school to high school to the pros," Cameron said. "Indianapolis is a mecca for basketball but there are no programs, no summer leagues here, so we put our heads together and made it happen."

CEO Carlos Knox coached at IUPUI, in the Continental Basketball Association and in the Middle East. He also had a brief NBA career with the Pacers.

Saturday night at the University of Indianapolis, Knox and Cameron will present their much-anticipated "Ball For It All Classic" featuring several NBA players seeking serious competition during the ongoing lockout.

Included are Kevin Durant, Jeff Teague, Gordon Hayward, Mike Conley Jr., Shelvin Mack, D.J. White, JaJuan Johnson, John Wall, Jeff Green, Caron Butler, Will Bynum, Michael Beasley, Greg Monroe, Zach Randolph and Eric Gordon.

"There won't be any college players, nobody overseas or off the street -- all pros," Cameron said. "I'm very excited. It's just a blessing to be involved with your passion.

"Many people don't have that opportunity."

Cameron said the more than 20 NBA players scheduled to appear are doing it for free.

"They got to stay in shape and it's very rare that they can play with different NBA players," Cameron added. "Kevin Durant set the tone, the pace, this summer for all those guys by playing in summer leagues across the country.

"The LeBrons, the Carmelos, the Chris Pauls and the Kobes have been following right through. It's a good idea for them to do this to keep their fans." 

All game proceeds will go to Operation Rebirth and the George Hill Foundation.