It is never too early to start thinking about hoops season in the Bay State.

On Saturday, former NBA player Wayne Selden Jr. returned to town for his sixth annual clinic, free for young stars to attend at Madison Park High School.

“As special as that time was in the NBA, this is a million times more special,” Selden Jr. said. “Because this is something that can last. We can leave these impressions on kids to where it lasts a lifetime. I remember when I was a kid, the things that you wouldn’t know stuck with me, stuck with me. We can give these kids as much information, not just basketball-wise, but just in general to where they can grow from it. You never know who might pick up on the information we give them.”

Selden got his start in Roxbury, attending O’Bryant before transferring to the Tilton School in New Hampshire. He played collegiately at Kansas from 2013-2016 before being signed out of college as an undrafted NBA free agent by the New Orleans Pelicans. Selden then played for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Chicago Bulls and the New York Knicks before spending a few seasons overseas.

The clinic has grown with each passing year. As hundreds of youngsters gathered in the center of the gym, Selden brought some of his former teammates from his career to the floor, including former Brewster Academy star Devonte’ Graham. The two played together at Kansas, and later clashed in the NBA. Graham spent three years with the Charlotte Hornets before stints with the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs. He played the 2024-25 season with the Los Angeles Lakers’ G-League affiliate, the South Bay Lakers.

“It means a lot,” Graham said. “(Selden) is my brother. He’s been my brother for years now. I meant to make it here last year, but I couldn’t. Just like the social support, especially if I can do something for the local community.”

Wayne’s mother, Lavette Pitts, felt he was destined to make a difference early, on the court and off.

“When he was 11 or 12, we kind of knew,” Pitts said. “He just did things athletically that a lot of kids couldn’t do. So we kind of knew, and and he was so committed to it.”

As Selden’s basketball career progressed, he returned to the Boston area every summer, looking to build a movement. Legendary local coaches such as Dennis Wilson were hustling to join him, eager to carry on the city’s traditions.

Wilson can still remember watching Selden at local events, and facing him during his 38-year tenure at Madison Park.

Nowadays, the two work together whenever they have the opportunity to shape the next generation.

“When I was growing up, I don’t think you were born yet,” chuckled Wilson. “I don’t think your parents were born yet, in 1951. We all had the Boys Club. Here is a young man, out of his pocket, giving back.”