Young athletes at this year’s Camana Bay Basketball Camp received a visit from Utah Jazz forward KJ Martin, who stopped by the Arts & Recreation Centre on 1 Aug. to meet with campers, sign autographs and share a message about hard work.
Martin, the son of former NBA All-Star Kenyon Martin, said his father’s influence was part of what brought him to the Cayman Islands.
“My dad played for 15 years, and his biggest thing was always kids," KJ Martin said. "That’s what he always instilled in my brain. Even during the season, holidays or whatever, I try to go to children’s hospitals, bring them toys or do as much as I can.”
The 2025 Camana Bay Basketball Camp was held from 28 July to 1 Aug. and helped aspiring hoop stars sharpen their skills through drills and live games — with the added opportunity to learn from NBA-caliber talent.
KJ Martin, who has played in more than 250 games in his five NBA seasons, joined the Utah Jazz in 2024. He viewed the trip as a chance to connect with kids who may only ever see professional athletes from afar.
“I just felt like it was a good opportunity for them,” he said. “They see us on TV and stuff like that, but it's not often that they will see us in person," KJ Martin said.
Beyond basketball, Martin emphasised to campers the importance of education and perseverance.
“Just explaining to them school and hard work is what matters,” he said. “Whatever path they choose in life, just work hard … stay dedicated to it, and then you’ll be successful later.”
Though his visit to Cayman was brief, KJ Martin said he was impressed by the island and its people.
“It’s beautiful. The water — that’s what matters to me,” he said. “Anywhere I go where there’s clear water … I’m good.”
