Coach Jeff relishes three ‘golden’ rings with NBA’s Warriors

CEBU, Philippines — Renowned Cebuano basketball skills trainer and coach Jefferson “Jeff” Codera relishes with pride his prized collection of three NBA championship rings with the Golden State Warriors.

During his US trip just recently, the 40-year-old Codera received his third ‘golden’ ring from the Golden State organization on account of the Warriors’ winning the crown in the 2021-22 NBA season. He got his first two rings when the Warriors, headlined by the powerful troika of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, clinched back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018.

NBA championship rings are usually given to players and the coaching staff but some teams like the Golden State also tend to include most other people who work for the franchise.

Codera feels proud and happy that the Warriors recognized his efforts as a member of the team’s training camp for nine years now.

“It’s so gratifying to know that your hard work is given value and that they look at you not just an employee but also part of the organization,” said Codera.”I really can’t describe my feelings that as a Filipino, I’m able to seize this once-in-a-lifetime achievement of having these NBA championship rings. I really treasure this opportunity to be part of the Golden State Warriors organization.”

“Above all, I am very thankful to Lord that I am still with the Warriors. I firmly believe that our accomplishments in life are part of God’s grand plan for us. You just have to sacrifice, work hard, focus, persevere, and trust in yourself to be able to reach your dreams,” Codera added. “Big or small, you must cherish each opportunity that comes your way because success will continue to flow if you are grateful enough.”

As of now, Codera is busy attending their free sports clinic every weekend to thousands of young aspiring players across the municipality of San Remigio in northern Cebu where he serves as sports consultant and basketball head coach.

“This grassroots program is made possible through the efforts of our chief executive here in San Remigio, mayor Alfonso Pestolante,” shared Codera.

“Mayor Al is very supportive in all our endeavors for the youth not only in basketball but also in other sports. Through this initiative, we hope to discover new talents up to the mountain barangays and help develop their skills to become varsity or even professional players who could bring honor and glory to their town someday,” Codera ended. — (FREEMAN)