Kings' 'Basketball 101' Coming to Carmichael

The Sacramento Kings are coming to Carmichael. Sort of.

The Kings and California Family Fitness have formed a partnership to create "Basketball 101," a series of summer classes designed for Kings fans and NBA buffs seeking a better understanding of the game and its strategies.

A class is scheduled for the on Aug. 17.

"Basketball 101" is available exclusively to Kings season ticket holders and CalFit members who may enter to win one of 10 spots in each of the six classes taking place every Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. through Sept. 7 at select CalFit gyms throughout the Sacramento region.

Team officials say sessions will expose participants to a number of different disciplines, each taught by expert guest speakers with a lifetime of experience coaching, playing, officiating, or broadcasting professional basketball.

Courses include:

-Strategy: (Xs & Os) Instructors from the Kings front office discuss rules, player positions and description of roles, offensive and defensive tactics and game terminology. The list of notable special guests slated for appearances include Kings head coach Paul Westphal, director of player personnel Jerry Reynolds, regional scout/player development coach Bobby Jackson and assistant general manager and former NBA All-Star Shareef Abdur-Rahim.

-Scouting: Attendees walk a day in the life of an NBA scout, learning how they prepare for upcoming opponents through the eyes of longtime Kings advance scout Bubba Burrage and seasoned video coordinator Todd Purves.

-Strength, Conditioning & Nutrition: Students discover techniques and benefits of weight training, cardiovascular health and the secrets to maintaining a balanced diet from Kings fitness pros. Daniel Shapiro, strength and conditioning coach and co-founder of the National Basketball Strength and Conditioning Association, is scheduled to teach three sessions.

-Officiating: Professional referees George Putnam (NCAA), Bob Godwin (NCAA) and Mike Price (WNBA) decode those confusing official hand signals and enlighten fans about the pressures associated with one of the most demanding professions in sports.

-Broadcasting: Legendary Kings radio play-by-play announcer Gary “G-Man” Gerould joins members from the Kings broadcasting team for a conversation with fans about the commitment and preparation required of NBA radio and television personalities. Veteran Kings radio contributor and KHTK host Jason Ross is also scheduled to appear, as is Kings radio analyst and former NBA All-Star Fat Lever.

“This is a unique opportunity for Kings fans to peek behind the curtain and gain a comprehensive behind-the-scenes perspective of NBA basketball,” Reynolds said in a released statement. “Let’s be honest, if I can understand the game, so too can any fan serious about learning more.”

The first class tips off tonight at the Natomas CalFit location (3880 Innovator Drive). Subsequent classes are scheduled as follows:

-Aug. 10 Folsom CalFit (700 Oak Avenue Pkwy.)

-Aug. 17 Carmichael/Arden CalFit (6314 Fair Oaks Blvd.)

-Aug. 24 Elk Grove CalFit (8569 Bond Rd.)

-Aug. 31 Roseville CalFit (5001 Foothills Blvd.)

-Sept. 7 Citrus Heights CalFit (7700 Sunrise Blvd.)