Friendship Circle Host Former NBA Players for Basketball Workshop

On Wednesday, former NBA players Ira Newble and Earl "The Twirl" Cureton held a basketball workshop for participants of Friendship Circle's Sports Night. 

Friendship Circle is a not-for-profit organization that provides programming, support and friendship for individuals with special needs.

Twenty teens with special needs together with their teen volunteers worked on their basketball skills while Newble and Cureton provided tips and encouragment to all participants.

Skills included passing to teamates, dribbling a basketball while running and shooting baskets. After practice teams divided into teams and participated in a baskeball game with each participant getting a chance to shoot and score.

The two former players were encouraged to visit Friendship Circle by longtime P.E teacher Ed Krass. After touring the facilities Newble and Cureton entered the Florene Elkus & Edward Elkus Memorial Gym and began running the workshop.

Ira Newble, a Southfield native played from 2000-2008. During that time he played for the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Seatle Supersonics and Los Angeles Lakers.

Earl Cureton a Detroit native played from 1980-1997. During that time he played for the Philladelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, L.A. Clippers, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors.