Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks hosted a youth basketball camp for nearly 300 children in Mesa, Arizona, on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The event at the Arizona Athletic Grounds focused heavily on mental wellness alongside basketball skill development.
Brooks, who recently signed a three-year, $73 million contract extension to stay with the Suns through the 2029-30 season, wanted to create a community event. He averaged a career-high 20.2 points per game in his first season with Phoenix. The camp comes as the team looks ahead to training camp later this month, following a tough end to their previous campaign where their last result was a 122-131 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 28, 2026.
Brooks made it clear that mental health was a primary teaching point. "I want to teach about mental wellness," Brooks said. He believes it's important to introduce these concepts to children early. The curriculum also covered physical care, including proper nutrition and stretching techniques.
Nearly 300 boys and girls, aged 6 to 16, attended the day-long event. Brooks, who had recently returned from training in China where he studied kung fu and worked with a UFC fighter, started the camp with an intense "stare-down" for the eager participants. He quickly got to work with the kids after speaking with media, setting up passing drills and guiding them on driving to the lane for layups.
Events like this strengthen the bond between the team and its local fanbase. Instructor Scott Nicholson highlighted the camp's community impact. "It brings the kids together," Nicholson said. He noted that having a star like Dillon Brooks involved draws more people and creates a larger, more impactful event.
For parents like Trish Sinclair, the camp offered a unique opportunity. She brought her two sons to see one of their favorite players up close. "The boys love the Suns, they love basketball and they love Dillon," Sinclair said. "So, when we heard about the camp we jumped on the chance." She added that arriving early made the experience even more exciting for her children.
The team's official training camp is set to begin on Tuesday, September 29. Their preseason schedule kicks off with a game against the Detroit Pistons on October 5. The 2026-27 NBA regular season opens for Phoenix on October 21 with a road game at the Portland Trail Blazers.
This community work happens against the backdrop of the team's recent on-court struggles. The Suns' recent form shows one win and four losses in their last five games (LLLLW), including losing their final four contests of the previous season. Those recent results included consecutive losses to Oklahoma City: 109-121 on April 25, 120-107 on April 23, and 119-84 on April 19. Their last win was a 135-103 victory over the Thunder on April 13, preceded by a 101-73 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on April 11. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
Brooks' commitment to Phoenix, demonstrated by his new contract and community engagement, provides a positive foundation as the organization turns the page to a new season. His focus on teaching the next generation extends beyond basketball fundamentals.
