March 2, 2012

Ben Mutz submitted his essay to Oakland Athletics for the Grizz Kidz Club Favorite Player Essay Contest. He may have thought he was going to win, because he is a competitor and a talented point guard at East Hills Middle School, but the surprise he encountered on Thursday was much more than just a photo.

Meeting Ben in the O'rena was star point guard Reggie Hamilton. When Hamilton learned that Ben had written about his favorite player, he wanted to come in and speak with the young man.

"I am blessed to play basketball and always had the support of my family," said Hamilton. "I was honored that somebody would write about me in the community and had worked with Ben at some of our camps. I was excited to come by and play a little 1-on-1 with him."

That Reggie did, watching Ben take an early 1-0 lead on a cross-over dribble he learned from his favorite point guard. "Reggie worked with me in summer camp and showed me a few of his moves."

The game continued and even Grizz got involved, making a 3-pointer. The encounter may have lasted for 20 minutes, but the echoes may go on for a lifetime.

"I really enjoy when we get an opportunity to go in to the community and help out where we can," said Hamilton.

Here is Ben's winning essay:

Feb. 3, 2012
Reggie Hamilton - The Gift to OU
By Ben Mutz

Reggie Hamilton is the one I believe in, the one Kampe believes in, the one Bader believes in, the one Oakland University believes in. I could go on forever. I'm Ben Mutz and Reggie Hamilton is my favorite player because he is not afraid of the opponent. He will drive and score on anyone on any team.

I've gotten to know him through OU basketball camp. He taught me many of the moves I know today - the cross over, the step back jumper, the dribble between the legs and more. He has taught me what it's like to play in college sports. Blood, sweat and tears and then we can Tebow, I thought, after every station.

Even though Reggie is a point guard he is still great at shooting. He is 90 percent from the free throw line. He has a will to win. That's part of the reason he is so good at basketball.

Reggie works harder than anyone to be good. Of course old Greg Kampe pushes him to. Now, Reggie is a gift, a gift to OU. He has led Oakland to a NCAA Tournament and that's where you leave your mark at OU.

I have watched Oakland and they're really explosive. Once they get the crowd going with a three or a dunk there's no stopping them. Of course Reggie can't win by himself. He needs the rest of the team. That's what makes numbers in the win column. Reggie is a gift and a big part of OU. I'm proud of him and everyone else is too.

-OAKLAND-