Coaching a champion

MANILA, Philippines – Eight young basketball players topped the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska Regional Selection Camp (RSC) at CSI Stadia in Dagupan City last March 29-30.

From more than 280 participants aged 10-14 years old, Zoren Solis of Cherished Moments School and Aaron Coquia of St. Albert the Great School in Dagupan; Lorenz Pangan of the Infant Jesus Learning Center in San Fernando, Pampanga  and Mark Mallari of Systems Plus College Foundation in Angeles City, Pampanga; Joshua Lopez of Agoo Kiddie Special School of La Union and Jac Macasaet of Berkely School in Baguio City will join three boys from Surigao, six boys in Iloilo and seven from Cebu in the National Training Camp (NTC) for this year’s Jr. NBA-Alaska basketball program.

The NTC is a three-day basketball camp that will test the young champions’ basketball skills and how they exemplify the S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.

Two sisters from Dagupan City – Kristine Cayabyab of West Central Elementary School and Mary Ann Cayabyab of Judge Jose de Venecia Sr. Memorial High School -- meanwhile will join the lone girl chosen in Surigao, the three girls chosen in Iloilo and three more in Cebu as National Training Camp finalists in the first-ever Jr. WNBA program in the country.

Proud Coach

The Cayabyab sisters’ basketball coach Crisanto Aquino was beaming with pride when they were selected.
Aquino played a crucial role in molding the Cayabyab sisters.

“Sa school kasi, kapag practice talagang practice. May konting pagalit pero yung pagka-istrikto ko sa kanila ay yung parang tatay na rin,” Aquino said.

Despite their basketball accolades, Aquino makes it a point to his players to prioritize their studies.
“Basta ang pinaka-importante sa amin, studies first then basketball, the rest madali na lang. Sa girls maganda nasisimulan ng maaga.
Kapag nag-improve yan, malaking achievement na para sa aming mga coaches,” Aquino said. Hindi lang po pride ko pero pride din po ng school namin. Ang goal lang namin is to join and fortunately, nakuha sila to go to the nationals,” said Aquino.

Aquino led Judge Jose de Venecia Sr. Memorial High School to three straight division meet titles with Mary Ann Cayabyab named MVP twice.

Meanwhile, Jr. NBA coach Chris Sumner, basketball operations specialist for NBA Asia, has stressed the importance of coaches in developing the players at this age group.

“This is the age that a lot of children are just beginning to develop their love for the game.  So, having a good coach, someone to rely on or someone who can push him/her and enable them to practice on their own is very important. Of course, parents who support children to play basketball will push these aspiring champions even more,” Sumner, who played for Mount St. Mary’s University in the US NCAA Division I.

Alaska Power Camp director and PBA legend Jojo Lastimosa agreed with Sumner. 

“Definitely, coaching is a big part of the equation. Kailangan ang mga bata turuan din ng tamang skills. Unlike nung mga bata kami naglalaro lang kami on our own sa playground which is also nice kasi natuto akong i-coach ang sarili ko but eventually kapag gusto mo ng pumunta sa next level, you need to learn the proper basics,” Lastimosa shared.

Sumner and Lastimosa were assisted by Jr. NBA Philippines coach Louie Gonzales, Alaska coach John Ramirez and former pros Ervin Sotto, Erick dela Cuesta and Perlas Pilipinas players Ish Tiu and MJ Jacob in the two-day camp which tested the young champions’ endurance, basketball skills and attitude.

In day one of the camp, more than 280 aspirants went through different skills stations – passing, dribbling, shooting, layups and footwork – before they were tested in several one-on-one, three-on-three and five-on-five drills before they were trimmed down to 40 participants.

In day two, the top 40 underwent the traditional practice set-up after they were divided to several groups with coaches guiding them. In the afternoon, they went through scrimmages as Sumner, Lastimosa and the other coaches selected the elite eight – six boys, two girls – who will go to Manila. 

“The scrimmages in the afternoon allowed us to see how well they move on the court and as well play with their teammates and if they have a positive attitude. It’s not only about basketball skills but also how they embody the STAR values,” Sumner said. 

10 young boys and 5 girls will be selected to make it to the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA All-Star Philippine team at the end of the intensive three-day camp to be supervised by Jr. NBA Asia coach Sefu Bernard, Sumner, Lastimosa and a guest NBA player.

The All-Star selection will get to experience watching an NBA game live and get a chance to meet some NBA players.  Last year, the Jr. NBA All-Star Philippine team watched a Los Angeles Lakers home game against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Staples Center and were able to meet NBA superstar Kobe Bryant.

Nourish your dream

Lastimosa, a member of the Alaska 1996 Grandslam team, said that the secret to endurance is not just training and exercises but also providing nutrients to your body.

As nutrition problems continue to afflict the Filipino children according to National Nutrition Council’s research, Lastimosa encouraged the Jr. NBA and WNBA camp participants to drink milk everyday to sustain their growth and development.

“You have to inject into the equation the daily nutrition dahil hindi naman pwedeng laro na lang ng laro ang bata tapos walang tamang sustansya, eventually manghihina ka at hindi tatagal sa court. Milk is important especially with the proteins and vitamins it provides,” Lastimosa said.

“I know dito sa bansa natin, hindi masyadong umiinom ng gatas but I encourage you because the moment you drink a glass of milk or even the chocolate milk, it gives you more energy to sustain you during the day,” he added.

The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA presented by Alaska provide more than just a training ground for young basketball players but also proper coaching and guidance to have a sound mind and healthy body.

Learn from the best coaches and join Alaska’s sports programs now!

For more information on Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Philippines, visit www.jrnba.asia/philippines
For Alaska Basketball Power Camp, visit www.alaskapowercamp.com/basketball and for live Twitter updates, follow @ALASKAsportshub.