Fifth graders try their hand at college hoops for a day with “Basketball 101” session at UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A program called “Basketball 101” brought a group of fifth-graders to center court at the University at Buffalo Wednesday morning to run drills and receive exclusive coaching from staff basketball team and SUNY Buffalo players.

It is a partnership between the university’s athletic program and M&T Bank.

Men’s basketball coach George Halcovage III said that aside from the physical experience on the basketball court, they also spent time sharing what it takes to be a college athlete.

“At this age, it’s really inspiring for them to know that anything is possible,” he said.

The students came from Westminster Community Charter School and Highgate Heights Elementary School.

“I think it’s good that they came today because our players motivate them to look toward the future and become college athletes,” said women’s basketball assistant coach James Ewing.

“I went to a lot of camps, school camps and seeing those players and the people that were there, it really made me want to be there,” UB point guard Noelani Cornfield said. “I hope we did the same for these kids.”

Westminster student Brandon Rochester shared a little about what he took away from the experience with 2 On Your Side.

“Don’t give up and have faith in yourself,” he said. “Be respectful, responsible and make eye contact when someone throws.”