Cage factions get together

Basketball Coaches of the Philippines (BCAP) president Chito Narvasa has found the formula to unite the various local factions involved in the sport.

Narvasa is organizing a three-day camp for about 200 coaches and 20 high school and collegiate players with legendary Korean rifleman Shin Dong Pa sharing his shooting secrets at the Rizal Memorial on Feb. 28-March 1.

When the former PBA coach announced the staging of the project, he never expected such an overwhelming response.

“This is one project where everyone is getting together,” said Narvasa. “They talk of opposing forces in Philippine basketball. But in this camp, we’ve got the leaders of every major organization pooling their resources and working as one for the love of the game.”

Narvasa said he initially approached former Rep. Prospero (Butch) Pichay to sponsor the camp because of his passion for sports.

“When I conceptualized the project, Butch – who is a good friend – wasn’t involved in basketball in an official capacity,” recalled Narvasa. “I showed him my budget. He looked at the costs and told me no problem. Then, I found out later he was elected president of the BAP (Basketball Association of the Philippines).”

Theoretically, the discredited BAP should have died a natural death after the inception of the Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP) two years ago. The compromise was to name the new Philippine Olympic Committee-recognized National Sports Association for basketball as BAP-SBP with the understanding that eventually, what would evolve is the SBP alone. The process was approved by FIBA.

Somehow, cracks in the wall began to appear and now, the BAP is still alive although barely.  Apparently, there are certain BAP-affiliated individuals who are afraid that with the SBP’s ascendancy, they will disappear as power wielders.  Obviously, the basketball landscape is not yet rid of hangers-on whose self-interest is their priority.

But Narvasa discovered the magic to bring the opposing forces together.

“BCAP has always been an independent group, working for basketball, regardless of whether the SBP or BAP or whatever is a partner,” said Narvasa. “All I had was Shin Dong Pa’s commitment to run the camp. And we all know how important outside shooting is for our national teams. If we don’t have the size to compete against the big guys inside, we’ve got to be sharp from the perimeter.”

Because of Narvasa’s coaching background, the approach was for Shin to teach coaches his tricks then the coaches, in turn, will cascade what they learn to their players. In addition, Narvasa thought of inviting 20 outstanding high school and collegiate players to join the camp for a close-up experience.

“This is all about skills development,” explained Narvasa. “Shin Dong Pa is the benchmark of shooters. The art of shooting is a Korean specialty. There is a US style of shooting but I think the Korean style is something we can learn easily because we are of the same Asian stock. We can learn from the Koreans and apply the lessons from the grassroots up. Our focus will be on technique, tips, drills and pointers.”

Within a few days of announcing the camp, Narvasa said he got feedback from over 100 coaches of all levels. His goal is to register up to 200.

Of course, the SBP has sanctioned the camp. 

Narvasa presented the project to SBP executive director Pato Gregorio and board member Bernie Atienza a few weeks back. Gregorio then briefed SBP president Manny Pangilinan who expressed his support for the camp “without hesitation,” according to Narvasa.

Joining Narvasa in organizing the camp and sharing their expertise with the campers are PBA coaches Ryan Gregorio, Yeng Guiao and Tim Cone and sports medicine guru Dr. George Canlas.

Because the event will be a “co-production” of all the country’s basketball organizations, Narvasa said he plans to invite Filipino legends, particularly Shin’s contemporaries, to participate, too. Coach Baby Dalupan is in Narvasa’s wish list as a special guest.

“The response has been tremendous,” said Narvasa. “We’ve got coaches from the PBA, PBL, UAAP and the NCAA listing up. Not only are the SBP and BAP backing us but also the Philippine Sports Commission. Even the Small Basketeers organization of Nic Jorge is joining. We’ve even got sports doctors involved.”

BCAP coaches may register to attend the camp at a cost of P2,500 each. Coaches who are not affiliated with the BCAP will be charged P3,500. The 20 high school and collegiate players will be invited to participate, free of charge.

Narvasa said he is looking for sponsors to finance the camp and depending on how much is raised, may be able to offer scholarships. So far, Muscletape of Korea has answered the call for support.

Narvasa may be contacted at tel. Nos. 6872156 to 58 or 6871048 (fax) or via e-mail at [email protected].