LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – Former UK and NBA star Rajon Rondo had kids all smiles Monday when he made a surprise appearance at a local basketball camp.
Rondo was in attendance at the Midsummer Hoopla, an event for kids who attend the Boys & Girls Clubs and Metro Parks Community Centers who compete in various challenges from three-point shooting and a slam dunk contest.
According to officials, a young boy noticed Rondo while he was standing near a basketball court in the South Wing. As the boy pointed him out, kids were in awe of the superstar.
The four-time NBA All-Star said playing in parks were an important to his development as a player.
“For me personally, Louisville is where I grew up and became the player I am today. I was always able to go to city parks and play,” Rondo said in a statement. “Anything involving kids I’m always all for, especially kids and basketball.”
Rondo was a judge in the dunk contest and watched many who participated show off their skills.
He expressed to the kids that he looks for uniqueness in their skill set along with originality and a little bit of flashiness when it comes to dunks.
He said his favorite part of the day was seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.
Rondo signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly worth $9 million.