By Derek Thompson
The Selma Times-Journal

Former Alabama basketball star Erwin Dudley will host the ninth annual Erwin Dudley’s Camp of Champions on July 10 and July 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Robert C. Hatch High School Gymnasium in Uniontown.

Participants will be grouped according to their age and ability and learn the fundamentals of basketball on an individual and team basis.

Dudley said all the children have to do is show up and be ready to work. It is free of charge and open to boys and girls ages nine through 17.

“It’s a camp to help and give back to the kids to not only Uniontown, but the Black Belt community,” Dudley said. “I just want to help them because they need opportunities and things to do, and it’s just a great opportunity to work with kids like that. It’s an honor to give back to the community when you are in the position to do so.”

During his career at the University of Alabama, Dudley led the Southeastern Conference in rebounding for three consecutive seasons. He also holds the program’s record with 129 career starts and ranks seventh all-time in scoring  (1,764 points) and fourth in rebounding (1,184).

The Uniontown native currently plays for Darussfaka in Istanbul, Turkey under his Turkish name, Ersin Dagli. When he began his professional career, Dudley played for the Maccabi Rishon LeZion in Israel in 2004 and signed with Turk Telecom in 2005.

The camp’s staff will consist of former University of Alabama and Robert C. Hatch players and coaches. Each player will receive a free T-shirt and a certificate of participation. Lunch will be served for campers on Friday and Saturday, and all campers must have transportation to and from camp.

Dudley said the camp usually averages between 120-150 children each year.

“I always tell people that if you don’t put back into your own community than no one else will,” Dudley said.