Local coaches learn

To help grow and improve the youth basketball experience, the 2017 Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska conducted a coaches’ clinic at the University of San Carlos (USC) gym in Cebu City last Monday night.

The one-day clinic teaches the importance of fundamental skills and core values of the game to the grassroots level. It was the third stop of the clinic after holding it in Manila and Lucena last week.

“The Filipino coaches are competitive; their excitement of the game makes it fun. The coaches here and the culture in general are truly passionate about the game of basketball,” said Craig Brown, the NBA Asia director of basketball operations.

“There is truly love for the game and again everyone is wanting to learn more, so ultimately they (coaches) can go back to their communities and share with you, which is awesome to be a part of,” added Brown.

Brown said he’s blessed to have the opportunity to be part of NBA and bringing the junior players in different communities and just share basketball knowledge.

“What I’m doing is sharing what I’ve learned over my time as a player, former coach and as I continue and try to learn I share that information so more people could benefit from it, and ultimately we help the youth get better,” said Jr. NBA coach Brown.

The coaches’ clinic is part of the activities of the 2017 Jr. NBA/ Jr. WNBA Philippines, which is open to boys’ and girls’ 10 to 14 years old.

After the clinic, the Jr. NBA coaches will shift their focus to the Regional Selection Camps, which kicks off on Feb. 11 to 12 in Cagayan de Oro City. It will be followed by Lucena on Feb. 25 to 26, Cebu City on March 11 to 12 and Metro Manila on April 1 to 2.

The top 37 boys and 37 girls will advance to the National Training Camp in Manila on May 12 to 14, which will feature an NBA and WNBA player or legend. The program will culminate with the selection of final 16—eight boys and eight girls— who will be sent overseas for an NBA experience trip. /