DETROIT >> Aaron Smith has been a member of the Detroit Pistons for 25 years and has served as director of youth engagement and development for the previous eight. As a long-time employee, Smith has many vivid memories working with the franchise. However, his most significant recollection came during the Pistons Academy Summer Camp in Northville.

During the summer of 2024, Smith watched in amazement as Malik Beasley and Ron Holland II took the time to coach and share basketball advice with the boys and girls in attendance. He fondly remembers the kids holding on to each of Beasley’s words, gazing at the pro basketball player in astonishment.

“We have great coaches and great entertainment, but when these kids see the players, their eyes light up,” Smith told The Detroit News. “Any time we have that kind of involvement from our players, it’s a big-time priority for them to come out to our events; just grateful.”

Smith and his staff aim to recreate the excitement this summer as part of the Pistons Academy Youth Basketball Camps for 2025, with support from the Children’s Foundation and Priority Health. The academy will host up to 20 camps, beginning June 9 at Detroit Country Day High School in Beverly Hills.

Sessions will be available for girls and boys entering grades 3-9 and range from $195 to $399 per camp. The Academy Youth Camp will also feature its second annual all-girls camp at the Compound Sports Complex in Sterling Heights from July 14 to 16. The all-women coaching staff will be headlined by Asia Boyd, a former Miss PSL (Public School League) award winner (2011) and a graduate of the University of Kansas as a student-athlete.

Although the academy’s primary goal is to promote knowledge and appreciation for basketball at a young age, Smith and his staff have also prioritized integrating lessons for the youth that can go beyond the hardwood floor.

“We go to different cities around the state of Michigan to make sure kids are getting better at the game of basketball, but also use the camp to enforce positive life lessons,” Smith said. “These kids, they are going to see a bunch of coaches who look like them, act like them and play like them — someone they may want to be like when they grow up, giving kids a chance to be taught by some of the best youth coaches.”

One message they convey throughout their camps is how to use their love and passion for the game that goes beyond playing in the NBA or WNBA.

“A lot of us can reflect on what sports have meant to us growing up, having that coach and outlet to go and play sports,” Smith said. “They are going to get the message of working hard, controlling what you can control, and being great at the game.”