Lucas: Jet Academy Takes Off

By Adam Lucas

Carolina rising senior K.J. Smith knew he'd eventually be able to use what he's learned in his dual communications and sports administration major at Carolina. He just didn't know it would happen during one of the most unusual summers of his life.

Like the rest of the Tar Heels, Smith went home somewhat abruptly and unexpectedly a few days after Carolina's ACC Tournament loss to Syracuse. What he didn't know at the time was that a summer he'd planned to be full of Smith Center workouts and summer school classes was about to change.

All of Carolina's summer school classes are being conducted virtually, which presents a challenge for students like Smith, who thrive off personal interaction. Camps are a big part of the summer for all current Tar Heel players, who are always the most popular instructors at events like the Eric Montross Father's Day Basketball Camp, the Roy Williams Carolina Basketball Camp, the Antawn Jamison All-Star Camp and the Kenny Smith Basketball Camp, all of which take place in Chapel Hill—and all of which were canceled this year.

To replicate some of those moments, K.J. Smith was demonstrating a workout virtually for players from his high school and middle school when his father, Kenny Smith, happened to see him. That's when the former Tar Heel and current NBA on TNT commentator had a brainstorm.

"I'm in the same situation as everyone else," Kenny Smith said. "My kids can't go to the camps they usually go to. I saw K.J. working out and demonstrating for his high school and junior high, and there were around 100 kids online with him. That's what sparked it, and I said, 'We need to do the first ever virtual camp with the NBA's greatest players.'"

At that moment, Jet Academy was born. The elder Smith has the advantage of being able to pick up the phone and call stars like Trae Young, Kemba Walker and Diana Taurasi (his NBA on TNT coworker, Shaquille O'Neal, randomly called him at 1 a.m. recently offering to sponsor a discount code that Smith has released on social media). Smith took a memory from his childhood and updated it for 2020.

"When I was growing up, I would watch a Billy Blanks workout tape," he said, harkening back to the glory days of VHS. "Our kids don't consume or produce information that way. They want to see the people they're working with and chat with them in real time. Everything is live—Instagram Live, Facebook Live, Twitter Live—and if Trae Young misses a shot or Kemba dribbles the ball off his foot, they want to see it."

The current players instantly understood the value of being able to interact with campers at a time when normal interaction is drastically limited. Each will be online for two hours a day during their week of the virtual camp, demonstrating workouts, watching videos that can be uploaded by campers, and offering tips and critiques. Kenny Smith will host all the sessions.

By somewhat unfortunate necessity, the virtual style of camp will also allow campers from around the world to benefit from the tutelage. Players in Europe and beyond don't often attend Smith's camp in Chapel Hill, but they'll easily be able to log on to Jet Academy.

Because he's at home, K.J. Smith has received a first-hand look at how to build a business. He already knew the basketball side of making a camp work, but this summer he's learned how to build the infrastructure.

"He sits in and he's been part of most of the business meetings," says Kenny Smith. "He's really getting to see the entrepreneurial spirit of how you build a business. He's sat in and listened to calls with big companies like AmEx and 2K Sports. He's taking classes in those same subjects and ideas, and these are invaluable lessons."

"I've really learned how impactful my Carolina education can be," says K.J. Smith. "This was the first time I've been able to use my resources for my classes to create a successful business, and it truly has been exciting. And whether the camp is successful or not, I'm so thankful for the time I've been able to spend with my dad. It's been a blessing to spend so much quality time with my family."

Jet Academy registration is open now, with the first session (with Kemba Walker) beginning July 20.

Players Mentioned

K.J. Smith

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