Big plans for JB next year

From the looks of brewing things, the coming year will mark several milestones in coach Joe Betancourt’s storybook life. Betancourt, who piloted the US team to the Jones Cup title in 1997 and was an NBA international scout with strong ties all over the world, including the Philippines, is close to sealing a deal for a high-powered syndicate to take over an NBA franchise and ready to double his investment in JB Instituto de Basquetbol, AC, a growing foundation with a mission to inspire the youth and teach the basics of basketball at an early age to create opportunities in college, the pros and the national team.

Betancourt, who turned 74 yesterday, is upbeat on a looming boom in the world economy, fueled by a new US administration. He wove a legendary basketball career as a coach in his Texas homeground then became a renowned global figure. Basketball opened doors for Betancourt who metamorphosed into a successful financial expert and advisor, investing in the stock market, guaranteed commercial paper and IPOs to earn rich returns.

Instituto is Betancourt’s vehicle to give back to the sport. Its honorary board members are Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Al Saud bin, Mukesh Ambani and Fisal bin Qassim al Thani. Instituto has stations in four Mexican cities, Chihuahua, Playa del Carmen, Monterrey and Villahermosa. So far, Betancourt has built gyms and playgrounds in seven Mexican states and set up youth basketball schools in every Mexican state.

“I’m hoping to find a window to do a big coaches’ clinic in Mexico City with Chot (Reyes) and Tim (Cone),” he said. Betancourt has high regard for both Filipino coaches. In 1997, he met Cone in Manila while attempting to bring Johnny Abarrientos to the NBA as a Charlotte Hornets scout. His respect for the Filipino brand of basketball has led to a serious consideration to recruit Kai Sotto once the NBA deal is finalized. “We’re following Kai’s career with the Koshigaya Alphas,” he said.

Betancourt said he’s even more driven to take Instituto to higher ground as a tribute to his late right-hand man, confidant and loyal friend Jorge Ramirez Mota who passed away at 85 recently. Mota was known as a pillar of the game in Mexico, co-author and translator of multiple basketball books, coach and advocate of herbalism for sports performance. Betancourt fondly called Mota the Engineer or Ingeniero. “He was with me on my journey since 1982, every step of the way,” said Betancourt. “After Ingeniero’s passing, I intend to double the monetary donation in his honor for Instituto which was his vision. In Mexico and other countries, there are challenges because of federations, leagues and organizations that are conflicted. Ingeniero always knew how to navigate them. He was a wealthy man who gave his money to do the best for Mexican youth and the sport of basketball which was his No. 1 passion. He had so much faith in my coaching and later my business acumen and never wavered.”

Former Mexican national player Victor Mariscal described Mota as his inspiration. “Thank you that over 35 years, you guided and taught me the love of basketball,” said Mariscal. “Because of the dedication you imparted to me, I got far. You will always be in my mind and heart as the father you were to me.” Former Philippine national player and Mexican league standout Jeff Moore said Mota was his coach in winning championships in Yucatan. “We had a great relationship,” said Moore. “Because of Ron Jacobs, I knew more than most coaches. Coach Mota ran more of a college style game with a lot of passes. I shared with Coach Mota how to take advantage of situational moments. He was super nice and a very good friend of mine.”