"I'm fan-girling right now!" Kevin Durant makes appearance at Caron Butler's basketball camp
RACINE (WITI) -- He's Racine's "Hometown Hero" and an NBA star -- but on Wednesday, July 9th, Caron Butler gave the spotlight to one of basketball's brightest superstars. They call him "KD" -- but he's also known as the MVP of the NBA.
Caron Butler was a student athlete at Racine's Park High School -- and on Wednesday, he was back, hosting his first official basketball camp at the school.
"It's at my old high school, you know, and this is my first one, you know, my first official camp here in Racine, Wisconsin -- so it means a lot and it's close to my heart," Butler said.
On Wednesday, the NBA star was shining a light on the locals looking to follow his lead.
"This is my foundation. This is where it all started, and this is where it all will end. So, you know, it's very important for me just to continue to stay here, and, you know, these people keep me humble. They keep me grounded," Butler said.
But on this day, there was another star shining just a bit brighter than Butler.
His title is NBA MVP -- but he goes by KD. He's also known as Kevin Durant.
Durant says he didn't hesitate to shoot through southeastern Wisconsin because he was beckoned by Butler.
"Relationships are important. That's why I'm here now. Caron's like a brother," Durant said.
The Oklahoma City Thunder teammates say one text has them teamed up to share strategies on the court and in life.
"I just wanna inspire. My whole thing is, you know, just plant seeds, you know -- whether it's encouraging them, and giving them positive feedback, and positive energy," Durant said.
There was plenty of positive during some question-and-answer sessions -- as campers quizzed the man Butler calls the best basketball player in the NBA, and one he's excited to share with southeastern Wisconsin.
"Thank you to my wonderful state, Wisconsin, and, you know, thanks to my city for coming out," Butler said.
Butler is scheduled to host another basketball camp in Kenosha next month, and he plans to continue the effort in southeastern Wisconsin on an annual basis.