WALTHAM, Mass. — When Paul Pierce was growing up in Inglewood, Calif., he wished he had an opportunity like the one Marshon Brooks and Gerard Coleman enjoyed the last few days.

Pierce, in partnership with Nike, entertained 10 college guards and 17 elite high school guards the last three days at Brandeis University at the Paul Pierce Skills Academy. The Celtics star not only spoke to the youngsters about life lessons and his journey to a world championship, but also about the intricacies of the pick-and-roll, jab step and ball fakes. Assisting Pierce was a collection of NBA assistant coaches, led by the Celtics' Kevin Eastman.

"This is a great camp," said Pierce. "I wish this was something I had in high school. To get to work with NBA coaches and meet an NBA player — this is better than any type of national (all-star) camp you can go to."

Two of the beneficiaries were Providence College's Brooks and Coleman, a Boston schoolboy star who has verbally committed to join Keno Davis' program in 2010. Brooks is busy preparing for his junior season at PC. Coleman, who attends Tilton (N.H.) Academy, is rated one of the top-100 high school seniors-to-be.

Brooks was a last-minute fill-in to join a group of established college stars like All-Big Ten pick Manny Harris of Michigan; All-PAC 10 guard Patrick Christopher of California; and Greivis Vasquez, the Maryland star who nearly entered last week's NBA Draft. With heavyweights like that, it would be easy for Brooks to wonder if he belonged. After all, while he averaged 10.6 points and 3.6 rebounds in a breakout sophomore season, he is far from an all-league type of player. But experiences like the last three days could change that.

"I heard some of the names I would be competing against and knew it would be good for me," said Brooks. "I held my own. Right away I knew I could play with these guys. I'm very confident in myself."

That confidence showed Tuesday. Brooks shot the ball well and showed his quickness and ballhandling skills in an array of drills that lasted nearly 90 minutes. When it was time for the nine collegians to scrimmage fullcourt, Pierce laced up his sneakers and jumped in the game.

"Paul Pierce taught me a few things, mainly getting open without wasting energy. There's some new moves I can add to my game," said Brooks.

While Brooks may have been the lowest profile college player in the group, he left an impression on the camp staff and the half dozen NBA scouts who watched the workouts.

"He did a great job for a guy who was thrown into the mix last minute," said Rod Baker, a former college and NBA assistant. "He definitely belonged. He really listened and tuned in and he got better. He's an interesting player."

Brooks said he's helping fellow PC veterans Sharaud Curry and Brian McKenzie lead a group of seven recruits in offseason workouts. He said he likes the newcomers' talent level and is looking forward to being more of a leader in the program. He served as a campus host when Coleman visited PC a few weeks back and obviously made a strong impression, seeing as the 6-foot-4, 168-pound guard committed to Providence a day later.

The Friars have to wait another season to suit up Coleman, but based on how he played in this camp, he could probably help them this season. He's a springy, left-handed athlete with a lightning-quick first step who continually drove to the rim against a deep group of wing players that was highlighted by high-profile recruits like Harrison Barnes (undecided), Andrew Dawkins (committed to Duke), Will Barton (Memphis) and Daniel Bejarano (Texas). While a non-factor right now as a jump shooter, Coleman teamed with Barnes, Barton and J.T. Terrell (Wake Forest) to form the winning team in a 4-on-4 drill.

Pierce was more actively involved with the prep players, barking out instructions during drills like, "It's not easy. It's tough," and "If you don't have the ball, you're still moving."

He showed the group his patented post-up moves where he catches the ball on the wing and frees himself for a jumper with an assortment of ball fakes and jab steps.

"Paul Pierce is one of my favorite players," said Coleman, who lives in Mattapan. "He just told us how important it is to keep working. He said that who the guys are ranked in the top 10 or top 20 now doesn't matter at all. That's motivation for me."

kmcnamar@projo.com