After retiring from the National Basketball Association (NBA) after 16 seasons with seven different teams, Johnny Newman is a man with a message.

He brought that wisdom to Goochland County last week when he addressed a group of summer basketball camp attendees.

The former University of Richmond standout spoke to the kids about bad habits and how to avoid the pitfalls associated with them. Newman said it’s a message he believes in, and spending time with kids in a mentoring role is one of his retirement duties he enjoys most.

“I think it’s important for kids to see real players who have gotten it done on every level,” Newman said. “They hear a lot from their parents, but they need to hear it from someone they may have heard of but don’t really know,” he added.

Newman’s message of personal responsibility and hard work is something he’s lived and succeeded by.

“I think it’s important to show you can set goals and achieve them,” he said.

Newman grew up in Danville and attended George Washington High School, playing for legendary coach Harry Johnson.

After four years at University of Richmond, Newman left with the school’s all time leading scorer title, a mark that stands today.

Newman was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and played for the Knicks, Nets, Bucks, Nuggets and Mavericks during his extended career.

Newman told the campers he attributes his longevity in the NBA to a disciplined lifestyle and staying away from bad habits.

“Not many players have such a long NBA career but Johnny’s self imposed lifestyle discipline led to 16 great years,” said assistant County Administrator Greg Reid who introduced the superstar.

Newman worked out with his son Gion prior to speaking with the kids, and it’s apparent the veteran is still in game shape. He credits basketball with helping him achieve his goals.

“Basketball has helped me in every aspect of my life including business and family,” Newman said. “It helped me to make good decisions,” he added.

Newman said he began the good habits that led to his success at a young age, at the less than gentle urging of his father. “I could never have more than three people in the car with me. He said he’d whip me if did,” the prototype big guard/small forward said.

Newman said he understands now that his father was teaching him an important lesson. “You can only control yourself. You have to know when to say no and know when to say don’t do that,” he added.

Newman said hard work and discipline enabled him to perform long past the average playing time in the NBA, about five years. He completed those 16 years in the league with a disciplined work ethic and a clear focus on his goals.

“Set your goals high and you’ll reach them, and start now with your good habits,” Newman told the group of about 30 kids, aged six and up.

“All of us have dreams, and I want you to put wings on your dreams,” he said. “I want your dreams to take off,” Newman said.

Camp director Craig Anderson said Newman was the perfect choice to deliver such an important message.

“My first reason for getting Johnny was that he was a local guy who played in the NBA, but after talking to him a few times, I quickly saw he had great work ethics and he was all about kids,” Anderson said. “They need to hear this to set them on the right path.”