Kendrick Nunn gives back to Chicago youth through 4th annual basketball academy

CHICAGO (WGN) — A former NBA player now playing pro ball abroad in Europe made it back to his Chicago Roots this weekend to pour into the city’s next generation of athletes.

Kendrick Nunn, a four-time state champion with South Side basketball powerhouse Simeon Career Academy who made first-team All-Rookie with the Miami Heat during their 2019-20 NBA Finals run, was inside the gym at South Holland’s Thornwood High School Sunday.

Nunn, who won the EuroLeague’s MVP award with Panathinaikos in 2024-25, helped organize the basketball camp—officially known as the Kendrick Nunn Basketball Academy (KNBA)—at the south suburban high school.

“I just want to come back, help kids [and] let them know they can ask any questions want to, and just be like an older sibling for them,” Nunn said.

With success few have experienced in the world of basketball, Nunn said he is passionate about putting the spotlight on the next generation of players, which includes athletes like 8-year-old William Stoxstell.

“My parents just asked me one day what sport do you want to play,” Stoxstell said. “And I said basketball and that’s when I just started liking basketball.”

Stoxstell was one of dozens of students participating in Nunn’s basketball camp. Now in its fourth year, the KNBA offers kids the opportunity for a professional basketball player to coach them through games and fundamentals.

“First [we had] ball handling, second shooting, second passes and now we’re doing defense,” Stoxstell said.

KNBA participant and fifth grader Ava Hill said the skills she’s gained this weekend will help her basketball career in the long run.

“I’ve got tougher playing with boys,” Hill said. “So that way, when I play with girls, it will be a lot easier.”