Los Angeles Lakers forward and Chicago native Anthony Davis was back in his hometown earlier this month for the Nike Rise Camp at Kenwood Academy. The camp, host to 2,000 boys and girls from Chicago's South and West sides, featured not only basketball training, but also experiences with business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Before surprising the campers, Davis talked to me about how cultivating knowledge and skills off the court is as important to success as learning how to box out or shoot a jumper.

"I know it's cliché, but [my advice to kids] is [get your] education [and go to] school," Davis said. "That was the biggest thing that my parents instilled in me. I couldn't even play outside in my own backyard if I didn't have good grades. That's the biggest thing, education, making sure you're going to school, going to class. if your dream is to play basketball -- if your dream is to do whatever -- that will help."

Davis gave Chicago Bulls fans a glimmer of hope in advance of his 2020 free agency, telling the Chicago Tribune his hometown is the "Mecca of basketball." But, when asked what wearing a Bulls jersey one day might mean to him, Davis' response was decidedly measured: "If the opportunity ever presents itself and when that time comes, I'd definitely consider it."