Future basketball stars Jocquise Oliver (left) and Blake Thompson (right) receive one-on-one instruction from Big Blues’ basketball coach Jamaal Jackson during the Bluefield State College Basketball Camp.  The four-day camp welcomed more than 30 young student-athletes, ages 8-17, at its opening session on July 25.

Many youngsters who may shape the future of this region's basketball fortunes gathered at the Ned Shott Gymnasium on the Bluefield State College campus over the past few days to get some tips from BSC Men's Head Basketball Coach Jamaal Jackson, BSC basketball players, and area coaches.

More than 30 kids, eight to 17 years old, participated in the annual camp.

Coach Jackson and camp counselors used the four days to teach the campers the basic fundamentals, offensive and defensive principles, and directed "Hot Shot," free throw shooting, one-on-one, two-on-two, and defensive competitions.

"The youngsters were hungry to learn every day, and there's no doubt in my mind that we will see several of this year's campers develop into high school and college basketball players in the future," Jackson said.