AUBURN — Dribbling, footwork and shooting were the focal points of Troy Barnies’ pop-up basketball clinic Sunday afternoon.

About 30 kids participated in the one-day event at Chestnut Park, more commonly referred to as The Gully.

Barnies grew up in Auburn and played basketball for Edward Little High School and the University of Maine in Orono. He went right on to professional hoops in Europe, and is currently playing for a team in Hungary.

During his 2007 senior year of high school, Barnies was named Maine Mr. Basketball, the award presented each year to the outstanding senior basketball player in the state.

“When I come home I have a lot of free time,” he said Sunday during the clinic. He wanted to do something fun with children who are passionate about the sport.

“I’m pumped to do it, and it’s great having the kids here that really want to do it,” he said. “It’s beyond just playing around and shooting hoops. It’s skills work.”

He added, “I want them to have the chance to learn what I learned, to teach them that you can be in the situation I am, no matter where you come from. You just gotta put the time in. And I grew up here; this is where I played.”

Sabrina Best of the Auburn Recreation Department was loving the energy and community support at the clinic. “I’ve only been here for six months, and I’m still learning the area. It’s great to see Troy and his passion for basketball and the kids.”

Best said the clinic was funded by the city as part of Auburn Summer Fest. “We worked with the mayor and Troy to get this camp day incorporated,”

Barnies is also spearheading a mission to clean up The Gully. “These rims have seen a lot.”

Best agreed. “We want to get the interest back down here, in a positive light.”

Barnies’ father, Stanley, was in attendance, along with the rest of Barnies’ family. Stanley was bursting with pride for his son’s accomplishments and was excited to see him back home and helping out kids in the community. “His whole family is here and they’re here for the right reasons,” Stanley Barnies said.

All of the staff on Sunday were volunteers — some friends and family, some local basketball coaches.

“We’re happy we were able to put this on on relatively short notice,” Best said. “And it’s a great way to wrap up Summer Fest.”

Barnies and the Auburn Recreation Department hope to continue and grow the program next summer. “Emerson (Toyota) has already said they’ll sponsor next year,” Barnies said.

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