Cebuano mentor gets coaching license in US

MANILA, Philippines - Jefferson Codera Jr., a member of the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors’ training camp, has been issued a license as coach under the Youth Development of USA Basketball, the national governing body of basketball in the United States.

It came just as 33-year-old Codera is set to return home to Cebu next week to hold a series of basketball clinics to young aspiring cagers all over Cebu and other areas in the Visayas as part of his advocacy to help others through his knowledge of the sport.

“I am happy and I thank God for all the blessings he has given me. This will also be an opportunity for me to share lots of things I’ve learned with other players especially to my fellow Cebuanos,” said Codera.

“As trainer/coach, I know that my responsibility is not only to teach people how to play basketball well but also to instill in them the values of respect, discipline and hard work,” he said. “Aside from helping the players in decision making inside the court – mentally, physically and spiritually – it is also my job to teach them the essence of sportsmanship, how to play clean, and deal with each game win or lose.”

Codera is also raring to showcase and share his ball-handling skills with the kids, as well as proper shooting and some stamina, strength, and flexibility drills.

“As trainer, I really feel proud and happy seeing that those I trained have improved a lot in terms of their playing ability. For me that is the most important thing, having helped others reach their goals,” said Codera, who has worked with other American coaches and trainers, some of them professionally working under NBA’s D-League.  

A native of Tabuk, Mandaue City, Codera did aspire to become a varsity player but failed to pursue his hardcourt dream given his family’s meager income.