He might be a former NBA star and they might only come up to his hips, but Sydney Kings import Josh Childress' new friends were not holding back on the trash talk.
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"Yes, I'll beat him," said Alek Makoi, 6, from Blacktown. "Is Josh the one with the afro? Look at how funny he's dancing right now."
The Kings forward spent Wednesday morning shooting hoops with young children, many from disadvantaged backgrounds. After the court session, they were off to see Penguins of Madagascar, then there were burgers at the Hard Rock Cafe and finally it was time for a new pair of shoes.
Childress, who has a prolific collection of hundreds of sneakers, said he just wanted to have a fun day. "It could be minimal but for me when I was younger and I got a new pair of shoes I just felt really good and I just hope that's something that happens here too," he said. The youngsters got to pick their own shoes and Childress looked after the bill. "I always enjoy hanging out with the kids. These kids, they are talking back, talking trash, we're having fun."
The 31-year-old American, who has been valued at $42 million, grew up in Compton south of downtown LA alongside many children from troubled households. "I can relate to these kids in terms of not having the most privileged background but I was far from troubled. I had a loving family but some of these kids don't, so helping them is a big thing for me."
The program is one Childress has run annually for several years in the United States, but it is the first time he has held it in Australia since signing with the Kings at the start of this season.
The nearly 50 children who attended were from Blacktown's Sudanese community or clients of The Benevolent Society which helps struggling families.
Benevolent Society team leader Clare Georges said the children, some of whom were seeing the Harbour Bridge and Opera House for the first time, would cherish the experience. "It's incredible for the kids who can in these circumstances have the chance to just be kids rather than having to worry about bigger issues," Georges said.
Childress, who is an MVP favourite in the NBL, is currently considering whether he will extend his contract with the Kings after the current season ends. Despite their friendly sledging, a few more fans might be begging Childress to stay in purple and gold after Wednesday. "I really like his afro. I'm too short to be like him just yet but I think he's really cool," Nybueny Joseph, 10, said.