JR. NBA Alumni at the opening of the 9th Jr. NBA Saturday at Don Bosco Makati. Photo by Mark Giongco
The 2016 Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines tipped off on Saturday at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati.
Boys and girls aged 10-14 were taught the basic skills and core values of the game at the grassroots level as the nationwide basketball and coaching clinic kicked off its ninth year.
“This for us is the biggest program we’re doing yet. We hope to smash the record in terms of participation, reach and impressions for the JR. NBA,” Carlo Singson, managing director for NBA Philippines, told reporters.
Apart from the basketball clinic, a coaching clinic was also held for aspiring Filipino coaches in the morning session headed by Jr. NBA head coach Craig Brown and Chris Sumner and Alaska Power Camp coach Jeff Cariaso.
“The Jr. NBA Philippines is the league’s longest-running youth basketball program outside the United States,” Singson said.
“The program continues to positively impact the lives of children, parents, and coaches, and reinforces the positive values that go beyond the four corners of the court. Together with Alaska, we are committed to providing world-class basketball intruction to more communities to further our mission of encouraging an active lifestyle among Filipino youth.”
The Jr. NBA program has helped hone the skills of the likes of Kiefer Ravena, Ateneo’s two-time UAAP MVP, and Aljon Mariano, who is now with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA.
“It feels great seeing all these kids. I was one of them not too long ago,” said Rendell Senining, who was part of the 2011 batch and is now one of the players to watch for National University in the next UAAP season. “This is a step towards fulfilling your dreams.”
The skills clinics run until April with stops in Bukidnon, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Davao, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa and for the first time in Batangas, Catanduanes and Cavite.
After the skills clinics, Regional Selection Camps, a National Training Camp and an NBA experience trip will be held in the coming months. An NBA and WNBA player of legend will be in attendance during the National Training Camp.