EASL’s ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ to begin in 2023 o season
RETIRED PBA great Jimmy Alapag lauded the East Asia Super League initiative ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ aimed at creating a new training and development program for top youth players in Asia.
Alapag, now part of the Stockton Kings coaching staff in the G League, said the program is a big help among young players in enhancing their fundamental skills and at the same time, learning the game from a professionals’ perspectives.
“I previously coaches at East Asia Super League’s coaches’ clinic which had more than 55 different coaches from around the world. I know how valuable these types of programs are for development at all levels, and I can’t wait to work with EASL again to help the next generation of talent,” said the 44-year-old guard, one of the 40 Greatests players in PBA history.
Alapag twice graced the EASL preevent in the past and once conducted a coaches’ clinic during the 2018 Super 8 tournament.
The elite training program for young players will be launched during the 2023 offseason.
The program involves on-court activities, including pro combine drills and team scrimmages in a tournamentstyle format.
Off the court, they will also participate in interactive educational sessions led by industry experts, such as current and former top players and coaches in the region as well as appearances from EASL NBA ambassadors
It’s not only Alapag who appreciates the youth program, though, but just about everybody in the league.
“The energy, camaraderie and competitive nature will create an exceptional learning environment for the next generation of elite basketball players. I’m excited to see what EASL has in store and I’m looking forward to working with them more on this initiative,” said EASL Ambassador Metta World Peace.
“I remember going to elite basketball camps in high school and that is what inspired me to go on this basketball journey. I was introduced to professionals like Steve Nash, trained and learned from him. From that moment on, I was pursuing basketball and all the opportunities that can be found in the sport. I’m excited to now have the opportunity to provide the same inspiration to the next generation by working with young players in the region with East Asia Super League” said former NBA player and current Bay Area Dragons big man Andrew Nicholson.
“This is something that is needed to continue helping young ballers in Asia make strides towards reaching the next level. As someone involved in youth training, the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ has my full support and I can’t wait to see it grow with Asia’s best hoopers. Who knows, we might just see the next future superstar in this program” said Head of Youth Programs at SK Knights, Kwon Yong Ung.
The training programs and games will take place in the off-season, taking into consideration youth players’ school schedules and professional players and coaches’ seasons.
“My responsibility is to ensure the health and wellness of each player on the Bay Area Dragons. I am looking forward to seeing EASL launch the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ which is part of elevating the game. It’s very exciting that there will be a strong emphasis on athlete wellness on and off the court. The development and education through the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’ will enable fans and the best upcoming players to experience the highest level of basketball competition,” said the Bay Area Dragons Head Strength Coach Francesco Berre.
East Asia Super League is East Asia’s premier basketball league and entertainment experience, bringing together top men’s club teams together for the first time ever to compete in a home-and-away regional championship integrated into the schedules of their domestic seasons, elevating the sport in the region. EASL’s inaugural home-and-away season panregional format tips off October 12.