Big Ben Wallace is surveying a gym that he's filled with kids who are bettering themselves with basketball drills, and he's talking gratitude, not attitude.

"It means a lot to me to have the opportunity give back and show all these kids in the city that I appreciate all the help that I had along the way, so this is my opportunity to give back," says Wallace, a 12-year NBA star currently with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Now in its seventh year the CarMax Big Ben Wallace Skills Basketball Camp presented by Community Health Associates Physician Organization has brought more than 120 kids to the Arthur Ashe Center for four straight high-activity days of basketball training that conclude today. The participants' goal is to learn basketball skills and life lessons from one of the game's best. And as many of the youngsters are from homes with limited incomes, there's no charge for their attendance.

The kids, ages 5 to 16, attended the camp for seven worry-free hours, where lunches are provided along with free T-shirts. Coaches work with the kids in skill drills in the morning and then referee games in the afternoon. Lunch hour guest speakers provide guidance in health education, sportsmanship and values. Wallace maintains a smiling background presence, but it is clear he thoroughly enjoys his accomplishment.

"You know, I try to tell people you really shouldn't judge a person by how much money they make or how wealthy they are," says Wallace, "you really judge a person by how big their heart is and how much they're willing to give back, and so I try to practice what I preach."

Area businesses inspired by Wallace's example have chipped in to add support, but he is ultimately the driving force behind the camp. Coaches are area basketball lovers whom Wallace has known since his playing days at Virginia Union University.

"It was something he really, really wanted to do," said Lester Johnson, Jr. vice president of Avail Marketing the organization that manages the camp's nuts and bolts operations.  "Ben wanted to gear the camp towards kids who may not otherwise have the ability to go to a camp during the summer.  That's the best part about this camp."

Today promises the best action, as the final contest will be between the camp all-stars and the coaches.  "Last year the coaches ended up winning, but the kids pushed them pretty hard," laughed Johnson.

U.S. Army 3 on 3 Summer Hoops --  Entries are still open for Richmond's newest community-based basketball tournament set for July 26-27 at Innsbrook. Teams, some sponsored by Ben Wallace, are converging from all over Richmond at the Dominion Campus for a two-day basketball festival.  Visit www.sportsbackers.org for information.