More than a game.

Dameon Mason doesn’t have to be here, at this small gym.
He’s only a few weeks removed from playing professional basketball overseas, and in a few hours he will travel to nearby Plainfield to his paying gig training top-notch collegiate players.
He’s not on the clock here, at the dimly lit Fred Rogers Community Center. And there’s no collegiate players in sight. That doesn’t matter much to Mason, who’s running an intensive basketball camp for Triple Threat youth.
“It’s my ambition and drive to help out the community and the kids. And so is Triple Threat’s,” he said.

On this certain day, he strides onto the hardwood floor, dressed in black Nike gear and a smile.  Like magnets, two dozen eyes gravitate toward his towering frame. The inaudible admiration is thick. If not before, they now all know who he is.
Dameon Mason.
West Aurora High School hoops hero Dameon Mason. Louisiana State University Dameon Mason. Overseas pro Dameon Mason.
And Dameon Mason knows that. And with that notoriety comes responsibility, a trade-off he willingly takes.

The dozen or so players on the court any given day might not make it pro, or even make the varsity high school squad. So why does he pour so much time into them?
Because when he talks, they listen.
“Dameon is the perfect guy for this camp,” said Triple Threat athletic director Ken Abbott. “The kids look up to him, and for good reason. He teaches more than shooting and dribbling drills. He teaches character and respect.”

Sure the jump shots and spin dribbles are aplenty. Ask the kids who’ve mastered the drills they’ve done so many times it’s video game automatic.
Also ask them what makes a good leader and how to make an impact in their community. They’ll know those answers, too.
That’s because Mason makes sure to teach them. Sure, he can refine an already polished college basketball player into a better basketball player. But with Triple Threat, he can help mold a troubled young man into the pride and joy of the neighborhood.
That’s why he’s here, at this small gym.
“I’ve seen the kids go by the wayside. I’ve seen great kids and great talent,” Mason said, before taking a long pause. “That’s why I’m playing basketball and doing anything I can to help Triple Threat’s cause.”

In the short six weeks of the program, he’s already seen the fruits of his sometimes-strenuous labor. Campers are more respectful. More knowledgeable. Better at making decisions.
“They’ve been growing constantly,” Mason said. “That’s what I enjoy most”

Dameon Mason – More than a game

Volunteer for this: volunteer@triplethreat.org