The first time I saw Corey Maggette up close was five years ago during his warm-up session before a game against the Bulls. Dribbling the basketball ostensibly in cadence with “Ladies Night” by Kool and the Gang, which blared throughout the United Center, the 6-foot-6 muscular Maggette rhythmically moved around the perimeter of the court sinking a flurry of jump shots.
I met Maggette just a few hours later, after the erstwhile former Fenwick Friar netted 25 points, propelling his Los Angeles Clippers to a 103-97 victory over his hometown team.
While it’s not NBA locker room policy, the affable Maggette graciously took a photo with me, a fellow Fenwick alum, and also granted me a ten-minute interview.
My first impression of Maggette echoes his web site’s tag-line description: Corey Maggette, an athlete and a gentleman.
Starting July 28 through Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., hundreds of boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 16, will be afforded their own special opportunity to spend time with Maggette during his Flight 50 Basketball Camp. Tuition is $275 per participant and proceeds will benefit the “Corey Cares Foundation.”
The Corey Maggette Flight 50 Basketball Camp, which began in 1999 and has won the “NBA Player’s Best Camp Award,” will be held this year at Fenwick after a successful eight-year run at Proviso West.
Maggette, who grew up in Bellwood, cherishes the annual hoops camp because it’s an ideal way to help area youth develop their basketball skills in a fun, supportive atmosphere.
“The idea for Flight 50 came from my parents [Jimmie and Marguerite], my brother [Jimmie, Flight 50 Camp Director] and myself to hold a camp in our area,” Maggette said. “As an NBA player, I use this camp to teach the game of basketball and help our youth.”
On a personal level, Flight 50 means more to Maggette than any camp brochure could ever articulate.
“I came from the same neighborhood as a lot of our campers,” he said. “I have a strong faith in God and all things are possible through Christ. Regardless of where you’re from, I want to show these kids the importance of believing in yourself and the power of perseverance. Look at people like [Boston Celtics coach] “Doc” Rivers, [San Antonio Spurs guard] Michael Finley and myself, we all made it and we are from the same area.
“For kids growing up, parents should be their role models but they can look at me, too. The camp is a humbling thing for me, and it’s also a lot of fun.”
Maggette, 28, is excited about returning to Fenwick where he rattled more than a few rims during his brilliant high school career. He garnered three Parade All-American selections, a 1998 McDonald’s All-American recognition and a Most Valuable Player Award at the Wendy’s Classic, erupting for 35 points and 18 rebounds. A track star at Fenwick as well, Maggette finished as a state finalist in the triple jump and long jump.
“In speaking with Principal [Dr. James] Quaid, [Athletic Director] Mike Curtin, and coach [John] Quinn, we all feel having the camp at Fenwick is a great opportunity,” Maggette said. “I’m a Fenwick grad and it’s an honor to have the camp [there]. It helps promote the school.”
Also known as “Maximus 50,” Maggette’s gladiatorial approach in the paint is bolstered by his ripped 225-pound physique. The origin of his unique No. 50 gear though is decidedly more pedestrian.
“At Fenwick, the number 50 was the biggest jersey they had available,” Maggette said with a laugh. “From high school to the pros, I just stuck with it.”
Since being drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics with the 13th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft and a brief stint (1999-2000) playing for the Orlando Magic, Maggette has built his reputation as a 20 points-plus scorer with preternatural athleticism for the Clippers. While the “other” team in L.A. claims 14 NBA championships and considerably more fan adulation, Maggette feels the Clippers have the talent to battle the Lakers and the rest of the rugged Western Conference.
“If you look at our roster, we are one of the most talented teams in the league,” he said. “The problem for us has been injuries. If we can just have guys play the majority of the season, we will be much better.”
Along with his other charitable work like the “Uh-Oh Maggette-O Kids” program, which brings hundreds of kids to Clippers games for free each year, Maggette has enjoyed moments of peripheral fun including a cameo appearance in the 2007 “Drivin’ Me Wild” video by rapper and fellow Chicagoan, Common
This summer, Maggette has been working out typically four to six hours a day to calibrate his versatile skills for the rigors of next year’s NBA campaign.
“I’m trying to tweak a few things in my game,” said Maggette, who averaged 22 points per game last season. “My ultimate goals are to be an NBA All-Star and to win an NBA Championship.”
Looking forward to fun times with the Flight 50 campers, Maggette concedes one uncharacteristically selfish ulterior motive for coming back to Sweet Home Chicago.
“In California, I’m working out and hanging out with my family,” Maggette said, “but I can’t wait to eat Portillo’s and Giordano’s Pizza.”
A fan of the league as well as Chicago food, Maggette praised the Celtics for winning the title this season and the Bulls for selecting Derrick Rose in the NBA Draft. Maggette keeps in touch with several current and former Bulls like Luol Deng, Larry Hughes and Eddy Curry.
His best friend though, unequivocally, is older brother Jimmie, who also lives in the Los Angeles area.
During his childhood, Maggette remembers one Christmas when money was particularly tight for the family and Jimmie refused any presents from his parents so what money was available could be used to buy gifts for his younger brother.
“You don’t forget things like that,” Maggette said. “That really touched me so deeply, and it taught me, at a young age, the real meaning of unselfishness.”
For more information about the Flight 50 camp, contact Jimmie Maggette at Jmaggette@gmail.com.