VALDOSTA, Ga. (WTXL) - The Valdosta State men's basketball team is taking the floor in the first round of the Gulf South Tournament. It's a big game for the Blazers, who are ranked 14th in the nation in Division II hoops.
But for this Blazer squad, what they do away from the big games is what matters, and that couldn't have been more apparent this weekend.
Basketball isn't Marcell Schlect Voorhies favorite sport.
"Baseball is!" said Voorhies.
But after Saturday, he's a new fan of the game, and a big fan of his favorite player, KJ James.
"That's my boy right there, Marcell! Shooter, sharp shooter actually, great passer, dabs on them occasionally, a great guy," said James.
"He's awesome, and so cool," said Voorhies. "He's lit!"
KJ and Marcell, new friends, all thanks to head coach Mike Helfer's 'Helfer's Heroes,' a camp geared towards kids facing mental and physical challenges. But no challenges were had Saturday. For these kids, it was all about having fun.
"My guys maybe believe they have it tough, well, maybe Coach Helfer getting onto me at practice isn't quite comparable to what some of these children are facing," said Helfer. "They have the same heart and the same mind and the same love that you'd have for our guys and I just want to bring that out and try to make that what the day is about."
And when you talk about a smile, for Marcell, his couldn't be any bigger.
"It's so sweet, and so heartfelt," said Voorhies.
And for KJ?
"That's what it's all about. It's all about giving back and making connections with people," said James. "That's what basketball does. It brings people together that you'd never think you'd be friends with."
Giving back to Marcell, to KJ, and for all kids, just looking for that smile.
