Pacers’ Oladipo surprises kids at basketball clinic

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Pacers Junior Pacers program made a stop Monday afternoon at the Concord Neighborhood Center to spend some time with area kids. 

The kids at Monday’s event got quite a surprise when Pacers player Victor Oladipo showed up to lend a hand.

The one-day clinic gave kids a chance to learn the fundamentals of the game and emphasize sportsmanship, respect, teamwork and healthy living.

Oladipo said he understands it’s his responsibility to give back: “You know it’s pretty cool because I just think I’m a normal kid from Maryland, but others don’t see me as that, so with great power comes great responsibility, and I feel like it’s my duty and responsibility to give back to people. Especially those who are less fortunate than me. That’s what I’m all about.”

All the kids at Monday’s event got a T-shirt; there were also prizes and giveaways.

Oladipo and the Pacers return to action Tuesday night when they face the Phoenix Suns.