Dwyane Wade Fantasy Campers Hit Hardcourt in Hotel Ballroom

"This is about the enjoyment of basketball," Wade told amateur basketball lovers

Dozens of amateur basketball lovers ages 35 and up took their talents to a Miami Beach hotel’s ballroom Friday in the Dwyane Wade Fantasy Camp.

“Enjoy this. This is about enjoyment of the game of basketball,” the Heat star told them. “I know you all have love for the game, and this weekend is about expressing that through your play.”

The second annual fantasy camp at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel runs from Thursday through Sunday.

“I was like y’all might not understand but I’m probably more excited than you guys, ‘cause I’m a fan of the game,” Wade told reporters Friday.

Camper John Herrero said he was “super-excited.”

“This is my second year – looking forward to a lot of great games,” he said.

VIDEO: Dwyane Wade Excited To See Young Players Compete At His Davie Camp

The basketball players took their talents to the hotel’s ballroom, which was set up with three full-sized courts, to play with pros and learn from some of the game’s best.

“No, they don’t want you to treat them differently and sit on the bench and just let them play pickup ball. This is to experience a real life type of coaching, teamwork scenario,” Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said.

Participants dropped more than $10,500 to play in the fantasy camp.

“You got a lot of guys who are hardworking businessmen, they work so hard throughout the year, and when they go to camps like this it’s their time away from that,” Wade said.

Over the weekend they’ll get to play pickup ball with Wade and some of his NBA friends, and compete in games leading to a championship on Sunday.

“There’s two goals, no injuries (and) win a championship,” Herrero said.

Said camper Michael Scotch: “It gets really competitive and occasionally even nasty, but you know, we all hug later.”

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