WOMEN IN GAMING: The NBA 2K League Development Camp: Women in Gaming, the league’s first-ever development camp for elite female NBA 2K players, was held Aug. 20-23 at the NBA 2K League Studio in New York City, with AT&T serving as an official partner. The four-day camp brought together 15 of the top female NBA 2K players to compete with and learn from NBA 2K League players and coaches, former WNBA player Taj McWilliams-Franklin, professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player Theia and more.

LEARNING FROM THE BEST: Throughout the camp, the 15 players received instruction from several NBA 2K League players and coaches, including film sessions and workshops designed to prepare them for the NBA 2K League tryout process. Participants included 2019 Warriors Gaming Squad players Chiquita “Chiquita” Evans and Charles “CB13” Bostwick, 2019 NBA 2K League Champion and Hornets Venom GT Manager of Marketing and Team Operations Brian “NachoTraynor” Traynor, Heat Check Gaming GM and Head Coach Derric “YouFamousEnough” Franklin, Hawks Talon GC General Manager and Head Coach Wesley Acuff, 2018 NBA 2K League Finals and 2019 NetsGC player Nate “NateKahl” Kahl, Nets GC GM and Head Coach Ivan “OGKingCurt” Curtiss, and Pacers Gaming Senior Director of Esports Operations and Head Coach Cody Parrent. AT&T Social Media Lead Martha Friedner led a workshop about effectively using social media to build your brand and engage with fans. The campers also had the opportunity to play on the main NBA 2K League Studio stage throughout the camp.

FRIDAY FUN: On Friday, participants began the day with a double-decker bus tour of New York City where they immersed themselves in the sights and sounds of the Big Apple. Later in the day, Cody Parrent led his team to victory when they won the first-ever NBA 2K League Development Camp: Women in Gaming tournament.

QUOTES:

“Overall, it was a tremendous week. Hats off to the crew that put it together. It was a successful week and I feel like a lot of ladies will take home versatility. A lot of them were used to playing one position, but they made sure that they switched up so everyone would be
comfortable at more than one position. That’s very important in the league.”
– 2019 Warriors Gaming Squad player Chiquita “Chiquita” Evans

“I decided to be a part of this camp because for me it’s not only about giving these women a chance, but also being able to have a familiar face from the league around to mentor them. They can open up to me about playing and just be themselves.”
– Heat Check Gaming GM and Head Coach Derric “YouFamousEnough” Franklin

“This was a great week. I was very excited to meet some of the female gamers. Some I knew, some I didn’t. It was very insightful and informative. There was a lot of great feedback from the female gamers that were here. We held workshops and held a lot of scrimmages. We had a final showdown game today. Obviously, we had some players that played well yesterday that didn’t play today, but they got a true live experience of what it’s like to play in an arena. A lot of great coaches came out and gave them great tutelage as well. This was a great event, and I look forward to it happening again and being a part of it.”
– Nets GC GM and Head Coach GM Ivan “OGKingCurt” Curtiss

“The NBA 2K League Development Camp: Women in Gaming exceeded my expectations and was a huge success. I had fun and learned a lot from the coachers, players, speakers, female gamers, and other league staff.”
– Camp participant LadyHoopStar

“This experience was so amazing. I learned things about myself while gaining new friends and mentors. Thank you again for this opportunity. I’m forever grateful.”
– Camp participant Mz_LJ

“Thank you to the NBA 2K League for an amazing initiative and experience! I learned a lot this past week! Shoutout to my teammates again and all the coaches that shared their knowledge with us.”
– Camp participant PrettyLovesPink