BACOLOD CITY -- 220 coaches from Bacolod City, various parts of Negros Province, Iloilo, Leyte, and some hailing as far south as Surigao City (Clint G. Mondano and Edgar Lisondra) in Mindanao attended the first-ever Jr. NBA Coaches Clinic in The City of Smiles.
At the Clinic, US-based Jr. NBA Coach Frank Lopez shared his knowledge, experience and philosophy with Bacolod City coaches. NBA Director of Basketball Operations Jama Mahlalela and Alaska Coaching staff led by PBA Legend Jojo Lastimosa helped Coach Frank run the coaches clinic, engaging coach participants in games and drills as well as demos of basketball moves and plays. Nutritional and hydration seminars conducted by program partners Hi-Smart Multivitamins and Gatorade, respectively, were also part of the program.
As always, Coach Frank Lopez, who has become a byword in the junior basketball circuit nationwide energized and inspired local coaches through his upbeat teaching style and unique coaching philosophy. The coaches also learned about the cornerstone of the Jr. NBA Program : the STAR Values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect. This is something that coaches, parents, referees and basketball players can use both in basketball and out of it, Coach Frank said.
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. This 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."