Weems Week thrills local kids

Weems Week thrills local kids

WM state title hooper continues to give back

WM School District Sonny Weems Week just keeps getting bigger and better.

Never mind that the last time Weems donned a West Memphis uniform was over 10 years ago when he helped the Blue Devils cruise to a state championship in 2003-04 or never mind that he's made most of his pro basketball money overseas.

His name still resonates in his hometown.

'I love West Memphis,' he proudly proclaimed last week. 'This is where I'm from and I'm not ashamed of it.'

Weems Week at Lehr Arena included a weeklong basketball camp for elementary school boys and girls, his fifth-annual back-pack giveaway full of school supplies for local students in kindergarten through third grade, children's books were given away to the young elementary students and for the first time Weems was able to extend his appreciation for his other local alma mater, the Wonder Junior High Golden Lions, who last season won the district tournament.

'When I was growing up in West Memphis, we always had some structure to our sports,' said Weems. 'In the summer time we had baseball, we had kids going to the Boys Club to play basketball and there was always football. It seems like some of that has disappeared now. I'm only one person and I can only do so much, but I want to bring something back to the community as far as sports are concerned.'

Last year at this time Weems signed a two-year contract to return to the NBA, playing for the Phoenix Suns. But after struggling to obtain consistent playing time in former head coach Jeff Hornacek's system, Weems was released on the day the Suns were set to play a Sunday afternoon game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum in March.

He was quickly picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers, but was also released just before the end of the regular season.

This season, however, Weems will return to pro ball in Europe, playing for Maccabai Tel-Aviv in Israel.

Weems' resume in Europe is impressive.

He is an All-Euro League first-team selection, a Russian league champion, the Lithuanian Slam Dunk Champion and a Lithuanian All-Star.

Weems' deal in Isreal is for two years with an option for a third year.

'I'm well established overseas,' said Weems.

'It's just a great situation for me. My game is more suited for basketball overseas. I have not one regret for going back there.'

At age 30, Weems said he sees no slowing down or the end of his career in sight.

'My body feels great,' he said. 'As long as my legs let me, I'm going to keep playing. I would say I'm looking at six, seven or even eight years more. I'm still able to run up and down with the 24 or 25year-olds.'

By Billy Woods