For the first time in its four-year history in the Philippines the 2011 Jr. NBA Philippines Program presented by Alaska will select a Coach of the Year.
The search for the Coach of the Year Award was launched in January to recognize the important work done by coaches to grow the sport of basketball in the Philippines and to promote the Jr. NBA S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect to young basketeers. According to NBA Asia Country Manager Carlo Singson, the coaches nominated for the award by their peers and basketball community are those "who stand out, both on and off the court, exemplify and teach the Jr. NBA S.T.A.R. values, and represent the hard work and dedication that make youth sports a rewarding developmental experience for players, parents, officials and other coaches”.
Ten coaches culled from schools and youth leagues nationwide emerged as finalists in the search. They are : Clint Mondano of Northeast Mindanao Colleges, Surigao City; Alvin Guadines of the Cavite School of St. Mark, Bacoor, Cavite; Rodel Berbon of Colegio de San Francisco, General Trias, Cavite; Ronaldo Joaquin Lacsamana of the Palawan Amateur Basketball Association, Puerto Preincesa City; Manuel Mercado of Sacred Heart College, Lucena City; Christopher M. Buhain of MIT International School, Bacoor, Cavite; Josep Glenn V. Faldas of Don Bosco Technical College of Mandaluyong City; Genesius G. Molto Jr. of Aquinas University of Legazpi City, Albay; Stephen Signap Tia of Lucky Terminal, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental and Luis C. Nolasco Jr.of Hope Christian High School, Manila.
A selection committee comprised of coaches and officials from the NBA and Jr. NBA presenting partner Alaska Milk reviewed all nominations and selected the ten (10) finalists. The ten finalist coaches will be given an all-expense paid trip to Manila to participate as assistant coaches in the Jr. NBA National Training Camp on April 9-11, and will have a chance to be trained exclusively by US Jr. NBA Coach Frank Lopez, NBA Asia Director of Basketball Operations Jama Mahlalela and NBA Legend AC Green. Prior to the National Training Camp, they will also be invited to attend a special coaching clinic conducted by Jojo Lastimosa and Dickie Bachmann of the Alaska Aces.
The winning Coach will be announced on April 11 during Day 3 of the Jr. NBA National Training Camp to be held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, alongside the selection of the Top 10 youth basketball players in this year’s Jr. NBA Philippines Program. Besides the special learning and developmental opportunities that the Coach of the Year will have with US Jr. NBA coaches and NBA Legend AC Green at the National Training Camp, he will also sit as an assistant coach when the ten 2011 Jr. NBA All-Star players compete abroad with a counterpart Jr. NBA All-Star Team.
Since 2008, the Jr. NBA Program has been offering free coaches clinics to basketball mentors around the country as part of the holistic basketball development approach for coaches, players, and parents.
The public is invited to watch the last day of the Jr. NBA Camp at the SM-MOA where the final scrimmage will be the high point of the day. The ten 2011 Jr. NBA Philippine All-Stars, who will get the chance to play a counterpart Jr. NBA selection abroad, will be announced after the afternoon scrimmage. Fans will also get a chance to meet AC Green, join in the fun basketball games, and win cool NBA and Alaska prizes.
Jr. NBA 2011 is presented by Alaska Milk and is also made possible through the support of some of the NBA's Official Partners including Asia Miles, Gatorade and Hi-Smart Multivitamins. Basketball TV is the Official Media Partner while the Marriott Manila and Spalding are the Official Suppliers. For more information on Jr. NBA Philippines, including registration information, dates, venues, photos and news, log on the www.jrnba.com.ph.