Learning it first hand from the experts, more than a hundred basketball coaches from different ballclubs and local government units in Negros Occidental attended the first-ever Jr. NBA Coaches Clinic in Bacolod City yesterday at the St. John’s Institute Activity Center.

US-based Jr. NBA coach Frank Lopez shared his knowledge, experience and philosophy with the coaches, while NBA Director of Basketball Operations Jama Mahlalela and Alaska coaching staff led by Jojo Lastimosa assisted in running the coaches’ clinic.

The group tapped the SJI high school varsity squad as the demo team which executed the drills and moves that are vital in developing a competitive and winning squad.

The clinic is the first stage of the 2011 Jr. NBA Philippines Program presented by Alaska.

For the fourth consecutive year, the NBA has brought to the country its international basketball development program for youth which enable local coaches and kids to experience the NBA basketball philosophy.

Providing local support in Bacolod City are basketball enthusiasts led by parents of players who had joined the Jr. NBA Philippines Program in Cebu last year.

Stephen Tan, one of the organizers, said “the Jr. NBA Program has united all Negrenses in their desire to bring the program to Bacolod.”

Tan added that all towns and cities in Negros are represented and the program had the full support of the Provincial Government and the Department of Education.

“That is how much we want to partake of this quality basketball education. We know we will see the effects of the knowledge that the NBA transferred to our coaches in the next few years,” Tan said.

Lopez, energized and inspired local coaches through his upbeat teaching style and unique coaching philosophy, stressing the cornerstone of the Jr. NBA Program -- Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.

Ericson Rios, head coach of the University of Negros Occidental Recoletos, said the Jr. NBA Program recognizes the role and importance of coaches in a team, adding that is like a brotherhood, a society of individuals with the common goal of teaching and sharing the game with others.

 “Coach Frank is our big brother and motivator.” Rios said.

Meanwhile, the three-day School Clinics for 10-14 year-old basketeers will start today at SJI.

Around 900 kids from the province are expected to participate in the program.*NAB

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