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by pltm
The Digicel- NBA Elite Basketball Camp commenced earlier today, October 7, with stiff competition already brewing among the 63 participants, who are all vying for top spots and to take part in an authentic NBA experience in the U.S. later this year.
Over the weekend, October 7-9, each participant will be judged on their performance, team ethics and basketball skills.
According to Senior Director of International Basketball for the NBA, Troy Justice, the players will be taken through a variety of drills to test their ability, in addition to playing 5 on 5 games. They will also be taught the fundamentals of the game, such as ball handling, shooting and passing.
Out of the 45 boys and 18 girls, only 8 boys and 5 girls, a total of 13 persons will be selected for the NBA experience.
(PLTM) - To cut the tension, the participants were able to meet with two of three NBA celebrities who will act as their coaches over the weekend; 1977 NBA champion and former NBA head coach, Lionel Hollins and WNBA All-Star, Skylar Diggins. In an interview with BVI Platinum News, Skylar commended the participants for reaching such a feat in their lives and encouraged them to stay focused and continue learning. “I’m here as a sponge just like the participants of the camp. I love working with kids and being around the game, so this is a perfect opportunity to come out. I’m excited to see them play. I think for them the biggest thing is getting something out of the experience.” She said, “This is a special experience to be a part of at their age, to have the opportunity to travel the world and play the game. It’s for them to take it all in, compete and try to get better. Learn more skills and drills and take something tangible away from the experience.” Similarly, coach Hollins said this is an opportunity where they can use basketball to further their education and to maybe explore it as a career. “They have to work hard, have fun and compete, and understand that there are people all around the world playing this game, so don’t be content.” He noted that with so many global NBA players aging and retiring, programmes like these are important to discover the next talent. “The NBA is a global game now and to further it you have to do more for the next generation down that’s coming up. You have to have more persons come in to continue this and this is the best place to do it, hosting these camps around the world as well as coaching clinics, where coaches learn how to teach the young kids. It’s at camps like this where we recognize young people who have talents and are given an opportunity to go to the U.S and have that experience.” The camp comprises of players from the Digicel NBA Jumpstart Clinics held in nine Caribbean countries---Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
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