East Knoxville’s basketball pipeline got another summer boost last week, when Elston Turner’s annual youth camp brought 115 boys and girls into the Austin-East gym. The turnout included young players from Knoxville and beyond, plus a few familiar faces from Turner’s playing and coaching circles. For six days, the former Roadrunner and current Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach turned his old home court into a crash course in basketball, competition and community.
The camp was split into two sessions, with 50 children ages 6 to 11 attending the elementary program and 65 boys and girls ages 12 to 17 taking part in the older group. According to Emerald Youth Foundation, this year’s schedule included daily instruction, games, contests, age- and skill-based groupings, lunch, an all-star game and an awards ceremony.
The turnout also reached well beyond Knox County. The Knoxville Focus reported that campers included participants connected to Los Angeles, while Georgia was also represented.
Austin-East Roots Still Anchor Turner’s Camp
Turner’s connection to Austin-East runs deep. He grew up in East Knoxville, starred for the Roadrunners under coach Clifford Ross and helped lead the school to the 1977 Class AAA state championship, a title whose 49th anniversary arrived this year.
The camp began in 1983, and Turner estimated that it has been held nearly 40 times, allowing generations of local players and coaches to share the court. Several members of that championship-era group still help with the summer program, giving the event the feel of both a skills clinic and an annual neighborhood reunion.
Turner’s résumé now stretches from Austin-East to Ole Miss, the NBA and the Minnesota bench. The NBA Coaches Association lists him as a Timberwolves assistant coach and notes that he joined Minnesota in 2021 after a long run on NBA coaching staffs.
Turner Says The Game Has Changed
During the camp, Turner also offered a veteran’s critique of the modern game. As reported by The Knoxville Focus, he said young players increasingly gravitate toward the 3-point line, while traditional post play and back-to-the-basket skills receive less attention.
That message landed alongside hands-on instruction for players with a wide range of experience. The camp also featured standout young camper Mazi Bates, as well as visitors including former Ole Miss teammate James Sandrige and Tennessee freshman wide receiver Jacolby Cooper, whose grandmother works with the program.
For Emerald Youth Foundation, the camp remains part of a broader effort to give children in Knoxville’s urban neighborhoods structured activities, mentorship and a place to compete. With NBA experience on the sideline and an Austin-East championship legacy built into the floor, Turner’s summer tradition appears to have plenty of runway left.
