Aussie coach, Reyes, Baldwin headline coaches convention

SM NBTC program director Eric Altamirano. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Seeking to further improve the quality of coaching in the Philippines, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) brought in decorated mentors for the 6th MVP Sports Foundation Coaches Convention Monday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Australian coach Brett Coxsedge, Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, Ateneo Blue Eagles mentor Tab Baldwin, and Alab Pilipinas tactician Jimmy Alapag headline the illustrious cast of speakers as around 1,500 coaches from 80 cities nationwide are expected to attend.

National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) program director Eric Altamirano said the bench tacticians attending the convention will get a treat listening to Coxsedge, who boasts over 20 years of professional experience as he will be talking about coaching multi-skilled players, creating a competitive environment, and developing a defensive style of play.

“We are excited to have someone of the caliber of coach Brett teaching in the SM NBTC. The outside perspective is crucial also to the development of the game,” he said.

Also speaking in the meet are Alaska analytics coach Paolo Layug, Ateneo de Davao athletics director Noli Ayo, 360 Circuit Training founder Chappy Callanta, and columnist Quinito Henson.

Altamirano also shared his elation with this chance for the coaches to listen from the experts first-hand.

“Our main thrust is to develop skills, build characters, and raise leaders not only among the players but also the coaches. They play a vital role in the development of the ypung players, especially in the grassroots level,” the veteran mentor said.

“Through the years, we noticed the growth in the coaches. Before, coaches from the provinces teach in a ‘bara bara’ style, but that’s different now, especially with how they mentor the players. We’ve seen the improvement outside the usual big cities, like in Olongapo and Cagayan de Oro to name a few. In the long run, this can only be good for the game.”