MANILA, Philippines – The vertically challenged Filipino ballers will be inspired when Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy†Bogues, who at 5’3†is the shortest player ever to play in the NBA, visits the basketball-crazy nation.
Bogues will be in town from April 26 to 28 to participate in the 2013 Jr. NBA National Training Camp presented by Alaska.
“I have heard many wonderful things about the Filipinos’ passion for the game of basketball and I am looking forward to my first visit to the country,†said Bogues. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share my skills and knowledge with all the Jr. NBA participants that have worked so hard for their spots at the National Training Camp.â€
The former Charlotte Hornets star will join Jr. NBA Head Coach Sefu Bernard and PBA Legend Jojo Lastimosa of the Alaska Aces to help run the National Training Camp where 50 participants from all over the country will bid for a spot in the Jr. NBA All-Star Team.
The top 50 were selected from more than 1,000 participants from regional selection camps in Lucena, Dagupan, Davao, and the NCR, as well as the Alaska Power Camps. The top 10 players will be named to the Jr. NBA All-Star Team and will be rewarded with a unique NBA experience, including the opportunity to play against a Jr. NBA team from another country. Campers will also participate in life skills session which teach the Jr. NBA S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.
Aside from helping in the National Training Camp, Bogues will also conduct NBA Cares activities in Metro Manila.
The Filipinos will definitely draw inspiration from Bogues, who became 12th overall pick in 1987 by the Washington Bullets, now Washington Wizards, despite his lack of size.
Bogues eventually joined the Charlotte Hornets, and still remains the career leader in minutes played, assists and steals for the team. Bogues was also a member of the U.S. National Team that won the FIBA World Championships in 1986.
Bogues is the fourth NBA Legend to be part of the Jr. NBA Philippines Program, following BJ Armstrong, AC Green, and Luc Longley.
In addition to presenting partner Alaska Powered Milk Drink, official partners include the NBA’s Official Sports Drink Gatorade, Unilever’s flagship brands Rexona and Master, as well as new league partner Phoenix Petroleum. Returning as Jr. NBA Supporting Partners are KFC and Spalding. Official NBA broadcasters are Basketball TV, NBA Premium TV and Studio 23. Jr. NBA is also supported by the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP).
The program remains free in all its stages for local coaches and young Filipino kids who want to join the program. Registration for regional selection camps is now ongoing through the Jr. NBA event website www.jrnba.com.ph. Fans can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines. For all things NBA, visit us at www.nba.com or follow us on our official Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/NBA_Philippines.