Mitchell Robinson back in Chalmette for basketball camp

The pride of Chalmette is back in town to give back to the community he once represented so well.

Former Chalmette High star Mitchell Robinson will hold a basketball camp Monday (July 29) at the Val Reiss Sports Complex in Chalmette at 1101 Magistrate Street.

The camp runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and about 175 kids are expected.

Robinson enjoyed a very promising rookie season with the New York Knicks, 7.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting 69 percent from the field. He played in 66 games, starting 19.

The 7-foot-1, 240-pound Robinson was a second-round pick (36th overall) by the Knicks in the 2018 NBA draft. In five games in NBA Summer League play, Robinson was outstanding, averaging 13.8 points, 106 rebounds and led the league with 3.4 blocks per game. He was fourth in the league in rebounds as well.

Chalmette High basketball coach Butch Stockton, who coached Robinson with the Owls, is part of the camp as well.

“We are just looking to have a great time and help the kids have a great time,” Stockton said. “I am really proud of Mitchell. He made the All-Rookie second team in his first NBA season. He was second in the league with 161 blocks. He was a summer league star as well. He has been chosen to participate for the Select USA Team in Las Vegas.”

Stockton remembers when he first encountered Robinson as a very thin, raw, but talented player at Chalmette.

“He has come a long way, putting a lot of time into it,” Stockton said. “He is very dedicated to what he is doing. The entire Chalmette community is very proud of him. It is great to have him back.”

Camp entries are closed but the public is invited to witness.