Tyler Burmeister did not just meet his favorite NBA player, he played basketball against him.
For the second year in a row, 12-year-old Tyler attended Rip Hamilton’s Basketball Camp at Avondale High School in Rochester.
‘It’s the most organized camp we’ve ever sent him to,? said Laura Burmeister of her son.
Among the camp’s coaches were professional players from Europe, college players, AAU coaches and WNBA players. Hamilton was a main instructor and interacted with the campers on and off the court.
‘What impressed me was that Rip was at camp every day and made himself extremely available to these kids,? said Laura.
The week-long camp instructed two hundred 8 to 14-year-olds. Tyler stood out among the competition.
During the concluding award ceremony, Tyler was called to stand next to Hamilton, receiving the ?2007 Rip Hamilton Basketball Camp Hustle Award.?
‘Rip started talking about a player who worked hard every day and didn’t give lip to any of his coaches. He said not every player could have this award-that it was hard to get. Then he called Tyler’s name,? said Laura.
Tyler, a Brandon resident, was surprised when he received the trophy and recognition instead of the other players.
‘The competition there is huge,? he said. ‘You can be the best player at your school and be nothing next to the people at camp.?
Laura still gets excited when she thinks about Tyler next to Hamilton, receiving his trophy.
‘For a parent, that was one of those priceless moments,? said Laura.