NBA players teach hoop skills to students, admire PH love of game

Brian Shaw trains athletes during the tip-off of NBA Fit Week on Wednesday in Mandaluyong City. TRISTAN TAMAYO/INQUIRER.net

Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Brian Shaw conducted a coaching and basketball clinic to tip off NBA Fit Week on Wednesday at Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City.

Shaw won five championships with the Lakers as a player and assistant coach and he gladly shared his vast experience being a 14-year NBA veteran and knowledge being a former head coach.

The 49-year-old Shaw worked closely with high school players from the Letran Squires, teaching the basic fundamentals, footwork and some tips on dribbling, shooting, rebounding and playing defense.

Shaw admired the Filipinos’ love for the game of basketball.

“This is my first time in the Philippines. I heard about how passionate and knowledgeable the fans here are, not just on the NBA but basketball in general.”

Aside from Shaw, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton and Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks also gave a helping hand during the drills in the Elite session later in the afternoon with collegiate players.

The workout, however, was cut short due to a power outage caused by heavy downpour.

“The experience has been great. They’ve been showing me a lot of love this morning,” said the 24-year-old Burks, who has fully recovered from a shoulder injury that sidelined him much of last season.

Burks also gave a message to Filipinos aspiring to be a basketball star someday.

“Keep working until your dreams come true. It happens to everybody, it happened to me.”