PHOTO GALLERY: Laurence Bowers works with Columbia youth at basketball skills camp

June 28, 2012 | 8:34 p.m. CDT

Although sidelined by a torn ACL, Laurence Bowers didn't waste time moping about his injury. The Missouri forward has made a commitment to give back to the community and spent the past week helping coach Columbia youth at a basketball skills camp similar to the ones he attended growing up in Memphis. Bowers will return for his senior season with the Tigers this fall.

Grant Goss, 13, back left, Michael Larson, 14, left, and Sam Rentschler, 12, have shoes and basketballs signed by Missouri forward Laurence Bowers on Wednesday at Mizzou Arena. | Carrie Durkee

Landon Hall, 12, jumps for a basketball being held up by Missouri forward Laurence Bowers during a basketball skills camp held Wednesday at Mizzou Arena. | Carrie Durkee

Laurence Bowers practices a one-handed pass drill with Sam Rentzschler, 12, Wednesday at Mizzou Arena. Youth basketball players came together to improve their playing skills and techniques. | Carrie Durkee

Laurence Bowers recovers a ball that was dropped during a drill with Sam Rentschler, left, and Landon Hall, both 12, on Wednesday at Mizzou Arena. | Carrie Durkee