Photos by Caleb Gallion
Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey, 21, has already put together a long list of accomplishments. The 2019 South Garland High School basketball standout played on the varsity team all four years and finished his senior year ranked #1 in the state of Texas. In addition, he was named a McDonald’s All-American, and he helped the USA FIBA U18 men’s team win a gold medal in Canada. He and his teammates took the SGHS basketball team to the state tournament in 2018 and 2019. Maxey also graduated SGHS in the top 5% of his class.
He then spent a year at the University of Kentucky where he was a 2019-2020 Southeastern Conference First-Year Academic Honor Roll member. Additionally, he made the SEC All-Freshman Team and set a school record by scoring 26 points in his first collegiate game.
In 2020, Maxey entered the NBA draft and was the 21st overall pick. He went to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Maxey hosted a skills camp for kids last year at South Garland High School. This year, he added camps in Lexington, Kentucky and Philadelphia. More than 200 kids attended this year’s Garland camp. They practiced basketball skills including shooting, passing and footwork. They also received some mentoring from the coaches. The camp is free to all kids who want to attend.
Photos by Caleb Gallion
It was called the “1% Skills Camp” and the focus was on teaching the kids to try to get 1% better every day. Maxey believes that’s important no matter what the kids are involved in. It applies to school and behavior at home and communicating with others.
He acknowledged that not everyone wants to be a basketball player, but no matter what they choose to be, they should always be working to get better at it.
Maxey’s parents, Tyrone and Denyse, set great examples for him. They also gave him encouragement and help along the way. In addition, they often reminded him of the importance of a good GPA. He’s grateful for that and for all they’ve done for him.
Maxey also gave high praise to Garland ISD. He thanked coaches, teachers, counselors and everyone who helped him.
“I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them,” he said.
Photos by Caleb Gallion
Maxey credits both his grandmothers for his work ethic. They lived with his family and he noticed that they always got up early and got busy.
“I didn’t understand it, but they were always up by 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. in the kitchen cleaning or cooking or reading the Bible,” he said.
He also rises at 5 a.m. every day and finishes three workouts before 11 a.m.
“It gives me a psychological advantage,” Maxey said. “I know a lot of guys who aren’t getting up until 12:00 or 1:00 to work out in the summer. I work hard so when I get to the game, I feel like my mind has an advantage over them because I know I put in so much hard work.”
About the Tyrese Maxey Foundation:
Established in 2021, the Tyrese Maxey Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Garland, Texas. It was founded on faith-based values and exists in order to strengthen family and community through works, example, and investment. TMF’s goals are to provide youth with the necessary skills and support to become the next generation of leaders in the community, in their families and in the classroom.
For more information, visit www.tyresemaxey.com