After the group photo capped a memorable afternoon, the excited young athletes flocked to Thunder center Nerlens Noel for a few more moments of face time.
Holding court, the 6-foot-11 big man stuck around for a few more selfies before he captured all eyes and ears with his send-off message on work ethic, positivity and love.
Celebrating Black History Month, Thunder Youth Basketball hosted the newly minted program, Thunder Character Combine, for the top middle-school girls basketball teams from Oklahoma City Public Schools and Tulsa Public Schools on Sunday. While a gamut of basketball drills and fitness tests was on the agenda, a Black History education station provided the twist for a hoops clinic.