"Marcus Camby Day" celebrated
(Hartford-WTNH) _ Connecticut honored a hometown hero Thursday. It was "Marcus Camby Day" in the state. The New York Knick star received a homecoming fit for a King!
Sports Team 8's Dan Thoene reports.

Corey Jernigan, Camby Fan: ""When everyone see's him make it big time, everyone's like I want to be just like Marcus. He had a great career in college and a great career in the NBA."

Corey Jernigan, a sophomore at Holyoke College, is bragging about his role model and hometown hero - New York Knick forward Marcus Camby.

Today, the MVP of the Eastern Conference final and a proud product of the Hartford school system stopped by Sand Elementary School to thank his friends and fans for their support.

Marcus Camby: "I just wanna let all ya, everyone in here know that um, I play for all ya, I play through the heart of this city".

Although Camby received the key to the city, and today was named "Marcus Camby Day" by the governor. The hoopster says giving back to the community and never forgetting where he grew up is the name of the game.

Camby: "I Never considered athletes to be role models until I really got deep into my profession, and just seeing how little kids idolize basketball players... it's many athletes. I think it's a job for us to take serious".

Byron White, Manchester: "It makes me feel good because he didn't forget about where he came from."

On the court and off Camby is generous athlete and a genuine humanitarian.

Corey: "Even though he hasn't won the ring he made it to a place that everyone in Hartford once to be."

Camby is also planning to return to the Hartford schools in the fall for his annual "March with Marcus day". It gives the NBA star a chance to inspire kids on the first day of school by walking with them to school.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.

©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT
A LIN station.