NBA Skills challenge at Kris Lang Sports Complex postponed

Kevin Ellis, The Gaston Gazette
·2 min read
Former Hunter Huss and Tar Heel standout Kris Lang works with kids in this August 2022 Gazette file photograph at his Kris Lang Sport Complex in Belmont. On Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, the gym will hold an NBA styled skills contest and community event.
Former Hunter Huss and Tar Heel standout Kris Lang works with kids in this August 2022 Gazette file photograph at his Kris Lang Sport Complex in Belmont. On Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, the gym will hold an NBA styled skills contest and community event.

UPDATE: Event has been postponed due to expected inclement weather. No make-up date announced.

When former UNC Tar Heel player Kris Lang opened a gym this summer in Belmont he talked about it being not only a place to improve basketball skills, but also becoming part of the community.

This Saturday, the Kris Lang Sports Complex will hold an NBA styled skills contest to raise money for his nonprofit, Build On Self Success, or BOSS for short.

There will also be food trucks, other games and vendors at the event ranging from diet supplements to wellness groups.

Lang, a four-year Tar Heel starter who played 16 years as a professional overseas, aims for his 24-hour gym to create a safe place for people who want an active lifestyle.

"It’s a top priority of mine to give back to the next generation,” Lang said. "This is an event for the community."

Details

When: Starting 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1

Where: Kris Lang Sports Complex, 704 Brook St., Belmont

What: 3-point shooting contest (open for all), skills contest (divided by age groups)

Cost: $25 for one event, $40 for both; people can sign up to participate on Saturday

Prizes: $250 to winner, lesser prizes for younger ages in skills contest

Former Hunter Huss and Tar Heel standout Kris Lang works with kids at Kris Lang Sport Complex in Belmont in this August 2022 file photograph.
Former Hunter Huss and Tar Heel standout Kris Lang works with kids at Kris Lang Sport Complex in Belmont in this August 2022 file photograph.

3-point shot

Sharp-shooters know no age or gender restrictions, Lang said. Young and old, men, women, boys and girls will compete against one another, he said.

"It doesn't matter if you're 10 years old or 85 years old, everyone competes on the same level on the 3-point contest," Lang said. "There's no discrimination against someone who can play basketball."

Skills contest

The skills contest will be a timed event and involves ball handling. Age groups will include from high school to adults, middle schoolers and elementary age players.

Hoopster to business

Basketball helped take the 6 foot 11 Lang from a North Carolina Mr. Basketball career at Hunter Huss High School to UNC Chapel Hill.

Lang then traveled the world — making stops in Poland, South Korea, Spain, Italy, Ukraine, Turkey, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Argentina and Uruguay, as well as some U.S. spots — during a 16-year professional basketball career that ended in 2018.

Lang, now 42, returned to Gaston County after his playing days and has been focused on his gym, its after-school programs, and his nonprofit, and its motto, "Play like a BOSS."

"When you practice a sport, or simply become more physically active, you can learn a lot about yourself, about your friends, and participate in building a stronger community," he said.

The 24-hour gym, which opened this summer, features basketball courts and other exercise areas.

You can reach Kevin Ellis at 704-201-7016 or email him at Kellis@GastonGazette.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Former UNC Tar Heel basketball player holds NBA styled skills contest