Damian Lillard Shares Exciting Personal Post on Monday
What does it really take to make it in the NBA? It's a question plenty of young hoopers ask themselves every day. Sure, it takes talent—lots of it—plus a relentless work ethic, but it also requires a bit of luck and the right people in your corner.
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Few know this better than Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard. He's battled through just about every high and low the game can throw at you, and he credits his success to a formula he's carefully crafted over the years. Now, through his annual Formula Zero Elite Camp, Dame is opening the door for the next generation to tap into that same winning mindset.
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Lillard hopped on Instagram to drop a highlight reel from last summer's Formula Zero camp, giving everyone a peek at what it's all about. He kept the message simple but powerful, captioning the video with, 'Character + Hard Work + Accountability.' Pretty much sums up the vibe Dame wants to instill in these young players.
Damian Lillard knows he didn't make it from Oakland to the NBA all on his own. He credits his coaches, mentors, family and friends for helping him every step of the way. Now, he's giving back by passing those lessons on to the next generation through his camp, Formula Zero. The name's got a special meaning too—'Formula' stands for the mix of people and influences that shaped him, and 'Zero' is a nod to his jersey number.
Damian Lillard looks on during a gameBenny Sieu-Imagn Images
The idea for the camp came a few years ago when his longtime trainer, Phil Beckner, encouraged him to open up more during offseason workouts at Weber State—sessions that often included big names like Anfernee Simons and Mikal Bridges. At first, Dame wasn't sure he wanted to sound like he had it all figured out. But after some thought, he realized how valuable sharing his story could be. He wanted these 40 young players to learn how to not just make it but stay there and succeed in life beyond the game as well.
Related: Damian Lillard Announces Big Personal News on Monday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
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