RP cagers to show stuff in Nike camp

BEIJING — The crack seven-man Philippine delegation to the Nike All-Asia Basketball Camp 02 slated this week in Beijing, China arrived in this Chinese capital the other day after a seven-hour trip from Manila via Hong Kong to participate in the rare event presented by Nike China.

The team arrived a day before the start of official activities this week, giving the RP boys enough time to relax and see the sights before attending the camp. They visited the majestic Great Wall and the historic Ming’s Tomb and did some shopping in the busy Chinese capital.

Upon their return to their hotel — the Tian Tan Hotel Beijing, the boys got their bagful of Nike products to be used in the camp, and the wave of joy and excitement set in.

"This is it. It’s about to start and I can’t wait it to begin. I’m excited as I expect to learn many things that could improve my basketball skills here," said Michael Vincent Baldos, a San Beda junior who is a member of the RP youth pool now in deep preparation for the coming SEABA youth championship.

The rest of the RP delegation echoed Baldos’ statement although they had mixed feelings as they got a glimpse of the tall Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean players whom they will be joining in the camp.

Baldos and fellow Bedans Joseph Casio and John Calger Condevillamar said they were a bit intimidated while Ateneans Johan Uichico and Ken Barracoso and Xavier’s Rejan Lee said they’re motivated and challenged to make good impression.

Delegation head Auty Villarama, sports marketing manager of Nike Philippines, said he expects the six RP boys to make the most out of the trip.

"I believe they will learn many things here and I hope they make it the best learning experience. I want them to have a heart, show what a Filipino basketball player can do. This will be the first time Filipino players will be with the other players from the region in training together," he said.

Also checking in for the clinic to be conducted by American, Chinese and Taiwanese coaches are 47 Chinese, four Taiwanese and three Koreans — all promising players 16 years old and below.

The players will undergo team orientation, fundamental skills training, shooting drills, several lectures and demonstrations, then figure in short 3-on-3 and 5-on-5 tournaments.

Nike China sports marketing director Terry Rhoads said the camp venue is where the Chinese national team is doing their own training for their coming stint in the World Basketball Championship in Indianapolis and the Asian Games in Busan, Korea.