Local pro athlete Spruill gives back to next generation of basketball players
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WWAY) — If the holidays are about giving, then one professional athlete from the Cape Fear is proving it.
Addison Spruill went to Pender before playing basketball at UNCW. Now he is a decade into his professional career.
Around a year ago, Spruill founded the “Dream Success Athletics Foundation” as a way to provide high level training to young athletes who those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to it. The instruction he gives includes things such as proper footwork, stretching and floor spacing.
The former Patriot and Seahawk says his knowledge will serve the next generation well.
“Experience is everything,” Spruill said. “I played in several different countries for several different great coaches. The things I learn from them, how to properly play at an elite level, I think I can give back to the youth here.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Spruill said he’s helped hundreds of kids from across the state over the past year, including at his recent “Hoops for the Holidays” events.
These skill camps have taken place as far as Greensboro and High Point, but returning to his native Cape Fear has a special meaning to him.
“I played in this area for a long time,” Spruill said. “Coming up from Pender, playing at Pender High School, playing against some of the competition here. Wilmington really took me in. I even went to college here at UNC-Wilmington. That really is the pedigree to everything.”
The talent in the area is outstanding, but those attending the camps feel learning from Spruill on top of their normal coaches can help improve their game.
“It’s better because he has more experience in the game,” 8th grader Zyire Howard said. “He played against other pros. Went through college and all that stuff. He knows the game more. I’m going to remember to keep composed, follow through on my jump shot and do what he taught me on my left hand. It’s going to make my team better. I can contribute more and it’s going to help a lot.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Even if those attending his events don’t reach the same level of success, Spruill feels his lessons can help them beyond basketball while still being able to keep them close to the hardwood.
“I can help some guys be coaches,” Spruill said. “Some guys might end up being physical trainers. I know they’re taking what I taught them and putting it in play and putting it to work. I know how hard it is to be a good basketball player and the type of work you have to put in to be great. To see them succeed is everything to me.”
(Photo: Colton Emswiler/WWAY)
Spruill also plans to start the “Dream Success” podcast in the near future to share the same knowledge he does at his camps to those who can’t attend.
As for the next stage of his playing career, Spruill tells WWAY he has recently signed with a professional team in Uruguay and will be traveling their next week.
