By Spc. Michael R. Noggle

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait ? Twelve NCAA Men?s basketball coaches and sports personalities traveled to the Kuwaiti Sports club to coach some of Kuwait?s younger basketball players Thursday.

As part of their visit during Operation Hardwood II, the coaches spent two hours talking with local youth coaches and practicing with the children on the fundamentals of basketball.

Also on hand to see the exhibition practice was Richard LeBaron, the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait.

?The things we are here to do will help build their basketball game from the ground up,? said Dave Odom, University of South Carolina head basketball coach.

Separating into six groups, the players spent time with each coach working on shooting, dribbling, passing, rebounding, lay-ups and defense.

?I had a great time, and I learned a lot,? said Marwan Tariq Saleem, youth Kuwait basketball player. ?I will remember this day forever.?

The event concluded with the coaches signing autographs and taking a group picture with the players and coaches of the local teams.

The coaches are Tubby Smith, Kentucky; Tom Izzo, Michigan State; Mark Gottfried, Alabama; Gary Williams, Maryland; Dave Odom, South Carolina; Kelvin Sampson, Indiana; Rick Barnes, Texas; Bobby Lutz, UNC ? Charlotte; Jim Crews, West Point; Reggie Minton, former Air Force Academy coach; Billy Lange, Naval Academy; and Jay Bilas, ESPN analyst. Sports correspondent Leeann Tweeden from the ?Best Damn Sports Show? is also entertaining troops at the event.

Smith coaching troops from Camp Arifjan during Operation Hardwood II at Arifjan May 24

Leeann Tweeden – Best Damn Sports Show correspondent – interviews Smith

The USO and Armed Forces Entertainment sent top NCAA basketball coaches and sports personalities on a tour to Kuwait where they are coaching military basketball teams competing in a champiuonship tournament. NIKE donated equipment for the week-long tour.

Tubby Smith gives pointers to Kuwaiti youngsters at a practice session at The Kuwaiti Basketball Club

Tubby Smith teaches Kuwait children basketball fundamentals at the Kuwait Sports Club in Kuwait City during a coaching clinic Thursday

Tubby Smith takes in the moment during the national anthem at the Operation Hardwood II basketball tournament Thursday

Tubby Smith and fellow SEC coaches Dave Odom and Mark Gottfried are welcomed to the tournament during the opening ceremony

Tubby Smith congratulates Camp Virginia players after a game during the Operation Hardwood basketball tournament May 25

Tubby Smith watches his team play from the bench the first half of the game between the Heat and Scorpions