Youths learn the hoops ropes from some Washington legends

CEDAR RAPIDS - It was a hot summer afternoon in early August. Not exactly basketball weather.

Yet 30 youths in grades one through four were in the Cedar Rapids Washington gym, learning the finer points of the game from some of the school's athletics royalty.

There was legendary former head coach Don King, teaching some defensive drills. Former Iowa Hawkeyes forward Russ Millard was there, driving in from the Chicago area with his two sons.

Former NFL player and coach Dedric Ward also was in the house. He lives in Las Vegas and was doing the hoops thing a couple of days after conducting his annual football camp at the school.

These were some big hitters, for sure.

"Just reliving some good days," said Millard, wiping his brow with a sweat-soked T-shirt. "On a day like this, in the gym, you've gotta sweat."

Washington head coach Brad Metzger put together this youth camp and secured these big-time clinicians. There also were some Washington players helping out, as well as assistant coach Jason Pershing.

"Just wanted to get something together for the kids," Metzger said.

The 82-year-old King was more than willing to help out, too. He lives in Florida seven months a year but was in town.

And looking right at home at a school he won a state championship in 1969.

"Washington connections," he said. "I was here for 27 years, have kept close to the program one way or another. Someone suggested I be here, and I accepted."

 Here is video of Coach King teaching defense: