The Philadelphia 76ers are gearing up for an exhilarating comeback opportunity on Wednesday night as they prepare to host the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, prior to tip-off, the team created a memorable and heartwarming experience for a select group of fans, showcasing their commitment to community engagement.
Among the lucky participants was eleven-year-old Caysen Bastian, one of 40 children from military families invited to take part in an enriching, hourlong basketball clinic held at the Wells Fargo Center. This event was part of the 76ers’ Stars and Stripes initiative, coinciding with Military Family Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to honoring the sacrifices made by military families.
Caysen, who enjoys shooting hoops in his spare time, expressed his disbelief at the opportunity to play basketball on the same court where the Sixers perform. “I feel excited,” he proclaimed, capturing the spirit of the day.
The young athletes received hands-on instruction in the fundamentals of basketball—covering essential skills such as foot speed, shooting techniques, and ball control—from the esteemed coaches of the Sixers. This mentorship provided invaluable lessons to these aspiring young players.
“This is an annual event for us where we are not only able to celebrate those who served, but also their family members, who have sacrificed so much,” stated Josie Snyder, the social responsibility manager for the Sixers, highlighting the importance of recognizing the broader military family.
Caysen’s father, Rick Bastian, who works as an air transportation apprentice at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, understands the depth of those sacrifices firsthand. “You miss a lot of birthdays, vacations, milestones in your kids’ and your spouses’ lifetime,” he remarked, emphasizing the weight of commitment involved in military service. Yet, he affirmed, “So there’s a lot that goes into it, but it’s worth everything,” expressing his gratitude for the recognition of their sacrifices.
Rick’s sentiment was similarly echoed by Roland Garrett, a dedicated U.S. Air Force veteran with 15 years of service. “It’s cool because they’re giving the military a chance to come in and be a part of the Philadelphia 76ers arena and see their players and do fun activities with the team,” Garrett noted, reflecting on the significance of such initiatives.
The enjoyment didn’t stop with basketball drills; the young participants also had the thrill of meeting the beloved Sixers mascot, Franklin, and interacting with the dance squad members. Caysen remarked that it was a day he would cherish forever, stating, “I’m going to look back and think how I was on an NBA court and got to play on it.”
The excitement of the basketball clinic extended further, as the Sixers and Toyota collectively surprised 500 active and former servicemembers with complimentary tickets to that evening’s game against the Cavaliers, ensuring their contributions were celebrated in a grand fashion.
**Interview with Caysen Bastian, 11-Year-Old Participant at the 76ers’ Basketball Clinic**
**Interviewer:** Caysen, it’s great to have you here! Can you tell us a little bit about how it felt to be invited to the basketball clinic with the Philadelphia 76ers?
**Caysen Bastian:** Thank you! It was amazing! I couldn’t believe I was really playing on the same court where the Sixers play. It felt like a dream come true!
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful! What were some of the highlights of the clinic for you?
**Caysen Bastian:** Meeting the coaches and learning from them was incredible. They taught us important skills like shooting and ball control. I loved practicing those techniques, and I even got a few shots in from the three-point line!
**Interviewer:** Sounds like you really enjoyed the coaching. How do you think this experience will help you in the future?
**Caysen Bastian:** I think it will help me a lot! I’ve learned new things about the game that I can practice. Plus, being with other kids who love basketball made it even more fun!
**Interviewer:** The event was part of the 76ers’ Stars and Stripes initiative, honoring military families. What does that mean to you as a participant from a military family?
**Caysen Bastian:** It means a lot. My dad is in the Army, and sometimes it’s hard when he’s away. This event showed us that people care, and it’s special to be celebrated like this. I felt really proud to represent military kids.
**Interviewer:** That’s very touching, Caysen. Lastly, do you have any message for the players or coaches from the 76ers?
**Caysen Bastian:** Just a huge thank you! You guys are my heroes, and I hope to keep improving my game, maybe even playing for the Sixers one day!
**Interviewer:** We love that ambition, Caysen! Keep practicing, and who knows what the future holds! Thank you for sharing your experience with us today.
**Caysen Bastian:** Thanks for having me! Go Sixers!