THE Jr. NBA isn't just all about developing basketball stars but rather stars on and off of the court.
"We're testing here five fundamentals today in the regional selection camp, which is shooting, passing, dribbling, footwork and layups. But beyond what we see in the four lines of the basketball court, we have our S.T.A.R. values of the Jr. NBA as well. The S.T.A.R. acronym is sportsmanship, teamwork, attitude and respect.
So those are the things we look for in kids. They are life skills and not just skills that you take with you on the basketball court but they are skills that you can take with you to become a well-rounded person and a player," Jr. NBA Philippines coach Chris Sumner told VoxPop Cebu on the first day of the two-say Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska Visayas Regional Selection Camp yesterday at the Don Bosco Technology Center Gym.
Sumner along with Jr. NBA coaches headed by Cebuano basketball star Dondon Hontiveros supervised more than 500 Jr. NBA hopefuls who took part in vitals test, skills test and drills.
"This is the Philippines and we're trying to develop and look for those good basketball players as well. And we know that's something that's kind of ingrained in the culture and it's in their hearts. We're just here to not only increase that level and develop but provide opportunities for the kids as well," said Sumner.
A few of those participants have caught Sumner's eye.
"I have seen a few who will hopefully be some bright shining stars. Every year, I see a couple of people on Day 1 of the regional selection camp, who not only make it to the national training camp but turn out to be All-Stars material as well," said Sumner.
The Jr. NBA coaches will then pick some of the best of the first day to return today and do intense drills, team activities and scrimmages.
The top performers will then advance to the National Selection Camp on May 11 to 14 in Manila.
