LORMAN — After enduring a controversial rookie season with the Sacramento Kings, DeMarcus Cousins answered questions about the NBA from the campers, but not the media.

Cousins, a Mobile, Ala., native and a former University of Kentucky star, was the featured guest Wednesday at Luther Riley’s basketball camp at Alcorn State University. The camp’s other featured guest, Cleveland Cavaliers and former Murrah High School guard Mo Williams, was scheduled to be in Lorman today.

The camp is Riley’s first at Alcorn State since being named head coach in April. Riley’s relationship with Cousins goes back to 2007.

“I formed a relationship with DeMarcus through Nike and I coached him on the USA Basketball team in 2007,” Riley said. “When I decided to do this camp for Alcorn State, I knew I wanted to bring DeMarcus in because I felt he would be a good role model to show the kids an athlete who is making the transition from just two years out of high school to being now in the NBA. Something like that gives kids an avenue for their hopes and desires, and be the best they can be.”

Cousins, a 6-foot-10 power forward and center, had no problems showing off his dunks, playing with the kids, or taking photographs. When asked about his first season with the Kings, the drafting of Brigham Young guard Jimmer Fredette and the possible NBA lockout, Cousins refused to comment.

That changed when the kids began asking the questions.

Do you think there will be a lockout?

“Yeah,” Cousins answered.

Are you looking forward to playing with Jimmer Fredette?

“He ought be looking forward to playing with me,” Cousins said. “Hopefully, he can help us with his 3-point shot.”

Who was the first guy to dunk on you?

“Dwight Howard,” Cousins said.

Do you like playing with Tyreke Evans?

“He’s a playmaker,” Cousins said.

For the record, Cousins averaged 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds in his rookie season with the Kings. There were also some low points. He had a scuffle with fellow rookie teammate Donte Green, which led Cousins to being kicked off the Kings’ charter plane to Phoenix following a game at Oklahoma City.

Riley’s camp has been well attended with more than 100 registered youngsters. Three Vicksburg Junior High students, Terrel Roby, DeArimas Smith and Jared Bell, attended the camp.

Roby, 13, said the camp has been well worth it.

“We’ve learned about playing with good discipline,” Roby said. “Coach Riley and Coach (Karshae) Peterson have been really good. They have taught us how to attack the defense.”

Smith, 14, said his skills have improved.

“They showed us all different types of dribbles,” Smith said. “We also learned a lot about offense and defense.”

Riley hopes the skills learned here will help raise the awareness of his rebuilding program at Alcorn State.

“We want the kids to be excited about our program,” Riley said. “Having a camp like this sets a foundation for things we want to do here.”