Platinum Equity Founder, Pistons owner Tom Gores’ summer basketball camps have impacted nearly 3,500 Metro Detroit youths

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DETROIT – Eight-grader Braylon Williams has grown more confident on the basketball court.

In 2021, he was shy and didn’t know how to dribble a basketball, but with the help of continued participation in summer basketball camps sponsored by Platinum Equity Founder and Detroit Pistons Owner Tom Gores, he’s improved.

“Whenever we were warming up, Coach Dante (Sarmiento) was talking about crossovers and between the legs and I didn’t know how to do any of that,” Williams said of Sarmiento, who runs the camps. “He took the time out of his warmup to help me and told me how to get better at basketball.

“Coach Dante made me fall in love with the game.”  

For the sixth consecutive year, Gores has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to host basketball camps for youths. The camps were held in Eastpointe, Detroit, Highland Park and Van Buren Township. A camp for high schoolers was also held in Warren for the second time, and a Los Angeles camp was held for the third consecutive year.

Campers were also bussed to Belle Isle for Metro Detroit Youth Day on Aug. 11, the first day of a four-day event that offered educational and entertaining experiences to get youths encouraged for the upcoming school year. 

“Tom’s philosophy is that kids can learn real life lessons through sports,” Sarmiento said.  “These organizations we partner with provide a safe place for the kids throughout the day while their parents are working.” 

Gores, through his Be Impactful initiative, started the camps to provide a place to provide free basketball instruction, mentorship and youth development experiences for children across southeast Michigan during the summer months.

“Kids need more places to play in a safe, nurturing environment,” Gores said in a release. “Sports and learning go hand in hand, and these camps give young people the chance to grow, build confidence and develop life skills that will stay with them for years.

“We want every child to know there are no limits to what they can achieve.” 

With an anticipated 600 participants this summer, the initiative is expected to impact nearly 3,500 youths by the conclusion of the 2026 camp season. 

“These have been our biggest camps this year,” Boys & Girls Clubs Vice President of Sports & Recreation Chris Kyles said. “Every camp we’ve had record numbers and it gives us a chance to be able to serve youth and have them learn the game of basketball.”  

By offering free camps, the program ensures families can learn about physical wellness, teamwork and experience personal growth.

“I always appreciated Tom’s willingness to pour back into the community, former NBA star Jalen Rose said when he dropped by the L.A. camp to assist basketball drills. “That’s how we bonded, with his community work, and all of the things he does throughout the state of Michigan, but also in California as well.”  

Rose added: “He’s been very consistent about impacting young people’s lives. He believes in placing no limits when it comes to our youth, and these aren’t just words. This is how he feels.” 

Each camper wore Pistons jerseys with the words “Be Impactful” inscribed on the back. It’s a saying that Gores is fond of using as a motivational tool. 

“The big thing is we’re trying to create people that have the love for basketball and in doing so, that’s going to bring even more fans to the Pistons organization,” Gores’ brother-in-law Duncan Murdock said. “But it’s also better that we have kids off the streets and in activities like this that help their minds and bodies.”  

Each camper received a T-shirt, backpack, water bottle and commemorative medal. 

“The Pistons-themed Boys & Girls Club camp has all around made me a better person,” Williams said. “Coach Dante has taught me a lot and just being here makes me a better person.”

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