Philippines leads Asia in hoop training

LOS ANGELES – The man who keeps Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade at the top of their game yesterday paid tribute to Filipino coaches whom he said are steps ahead of neighboring Asian counterparts in developing basketball players with advanced skills and conditioning programs.

Tim Grover, 47, said he’s impressed with Filipino coaches and singled out national mentor Chot Reyes. Grover was in Manila twice last year to accompany Bryant first on a Nike promotional visit and second to be at the sidelines for the two-day All-Star extravaganza.

“I couldn’t tell you who they were but I saw a lot of talent out there playing against the NBA All-Stars,” said Grover referring to the PBA selection and the Gilas squad that played the visitors during the summer of the lockout season. “When the NBA’s not in season, I do some travelling for basketball and I’ve gone to Greece, Italy and the Philippines to do clinics or train players or be with Kobe. I wouldn’t be able to tell if there’s something unique about the Filipino physique that could be an advantage in basketball. I’d have to study, research and observe Filipino players from six weeks to three months to make that evaluation. Of course, I’d be happy to help out Philippine basketball if my schedule allows.” Grover said he once had an opportunity to drill the La Salle senior varsity team.

Grover’s time isn’t always his. He lives in Chicago where his Attack Athletics outfit is based in a 5,600 square meter facility with four NBA regulation courts, a barber shop and a 110-inch TV. But during the NBA season, Grover stays in an apartment only a few minutes from where Bryant resides.

“Sometimes, Kobe calls me two or three times a day for training, that’s how he is,” said Grover, a former basketball player at the University of Illinois-Chicago. “Each is a 90-minute workout, different from the others. One can be just shooting drills, another can be working on his speed. Those workouts are aside from the Laker practices. Kobe pushes himself to stay on top. As I’ve often said, getting to the top isn’t the hard part, it’s staying on top that is.”

Grover said he also takes care of Wade. When Bryant and Wade face off in an NBA game, Grover said he just hopes they both play their best. After every game and practice, Grover attends to Bryant and checks what else to do to improve.

“Hard work isn’t a skill,” said Grover who was initially hired by Michael Jordan as a trainer for a month in 1989 then their relationship extended to 15 years. “I have no psychological background. Players know they’ve got to push themselves to the limit if they want to excel. I’m around to help them get it done. My work with NBA Hall of Famers is enough proof that I can help players excel.” Grover named the Hall of Famers as Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, Scottie Pippen and Charles Barkley.

In his career as a personal trainer, Grover has attended to over 100 NBA players, including Andre Igoudala, Devin Harris, Caron Butler, Paul Pierce, Gilbert Arenas, Tracy McGrady, O. J. Mayo, Carlos Boozer, Chris Duhon, Luol Deng, Shawn Marion, Jordan Hill and Mike Finley.  In the offseason, at least 20 NBA mainstays report to his Chicago gym for training.

To remain at his peak, Grover said Bryant could play three or four more years, including this season. Bryant is now 34 and playing in his 17th season. “My description of Kobe as a player is he’s unique and never satisfied and as a person, he’s very demanding,” said Grover who has supervised the successful comeback of several players like Wade from injury through therapy. “I’d like Kobe to do at least 20 years in the NBA. We continue to do things to make him improve. Lately, we’re introducing eye exercises to strengthen his optic muscles so he’s better able to see where the ball is particularly as he’s extremely quick. This is a player who wants only to be the best so he can bring another title to L. A.”

Last April, Grover’s gym filed for bankruptcy and it is now under receivership. The facility has not been able to pay a $10.17 Million loan on a first mortgage since two years ago. Jordan has a $1.2 Million stake in the gym while Finley guaranteed a $2 Million loan. Despite his financial difficulties, Grover remains sharply focused on the work he does best – prepare Bryant and Wade for their NBA wars.