From Davao to Shanghai
Rich Jr. NBA/WNBA Asia experience for Dabawenyos Elegino, Amatong
DAVAO City's very own Cholo Elegino and Rozie Amatong returned home filled with memories and learning experience far beyond their imagination.
Alaska National Training Camp Jr. NBA coach of the year Elegino, a staff at the Sports Development Division of the City Mayor's Office (SDDCMO) and basketball coach at the Ateneo de Davao University, joined the country's delegation to the Jr. NBA/WNBA Asia held Oct. 7 to 10 in Shanghai, China. Ateneo player Rozie Amatong, a Jr. WNBA All-Stars member, also joined the elite contingent.
Elegino said, "Nindot kaayo nga opportunity (It was a great opportunity) for me to learn and share the best practices from top caliber coaches from other countries who also participated as well as gain friendship)."
He also said that he learned from the rest of the Jr. NBA coaches who he claimed paid attention to the smallest detail in teaching the players, thus, in the process teaching them as well.
"The challenge now is to share what I learned in the experience," he added.
The Philippines' delegation arrived in Shanghai in the afternoon of Oct. 7. According to him, all participants were treated to a welcome dinner in the evening.
A training with Jr. NBA/WNBA players and coaches from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines was then held on the second day with each country fielding 10 boys and five girls.
Elegino and Jr. WNBA coach of the year Ewon Arayi of Magis Academy in Antipolo represented the country during the training spearheaded by coaches Craig Brown, Chris Summer, Jeffrey Cariaso and Dickie Bachman of Alaska. Four-time NBA All-Star Vin Baker joined them in the afternoon of the same day.
"Sa third day, nag-tour mi kadali sa Shanghai then tan-aw mi ug (On the third day we toured Shanghai for awhile before watching the) NBA Global Games, Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans," Elegino recalled.
The fourth day was another brief tour around the city before they went to the airport to catch an afternoon flight back to Manila.