FIRST-EVER JR. NBA-ALASKA COACH OF THE YEAR TO BE NAMED AT NATIONAL TRAINING CAMP

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.

COACH MONDANO: Choosen as one of the 10 Finalist for the Jr. NBA Alaska Coach of the Year

March , 31, 2011 - NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges Basketball Head Coach CLINT G. MONDANO is selected as one of the 10 Finalist for the Jr. NBA Alaska Coach of the Year. 

"Dear Coach Clint, 

We at Alaska would like to congratulate you for being one the 10 finalists for the Jr.NBA Alaska Coach of the Year.

As part of our continued commitment to promote sports and a healthy lifestyle, we have partnered with the Jr. NBA to establish this program that supports and recognizes the important role of the youth coaches in the country. Our very own Alaska Aces coaches, led by Jojo Lastimosa and Dickie Bachmann will be conducting a two-day Coaches Clinic that will help develop your coaching skills and instill the core values of discipline, determination, and hard work.

All 10 finalists will be brought to Manila to participate in the Clinic and to join the coaching staff of the Jr. NBA Training Camp, a 3-day intensive training program where the top 50 Jr. NBA players in the country will be trained.

During your stay, you will be billeted at the Linden Suites in Ortigas Center.  Food and transportation will also be provided, as well as a per diem allowance. A coordinator will be taking care of the group, making sure that you get to the clinics, training camps, and other engagements on time.

Each of you will also be provided with travel insurance and transportation allowance/airfare, for those who will be travelling to Manila from out of town.

Best Regards,

Mayan Salapantan

Group Brand Manager

Alaska Milk Corporation"

Another milestone for his coaching career and an honor for the team he is coaching. This is just a big proof that coach Mondano is working to become and be able to share what basketball is all about. To be recognized all over the Philippines is indeed a great honor this humble coach.

We are proud of you.

Toring, Marquez honored by CARAGA Basketball selection

NEMCO Warriors forwards Lord Toring and Gerarld Marquez were named to the CARAGA Basketball team program on Wednesday. The two players talked about the honor and what they hope to gain from their experience during their representation in the last PRISAA-SCUAA Regional Meet.

“I just want to say it is an honor for me to be in this position to at least play for this team,” Toring said. “I saw what they did a couple of years ago. I never thought I would be in this position playing. I'm really excited about that and I hope both me and Marquez both do well and make the team.”

 

Clint Mondano:I hope this team can start the process of rebuilding

Coach Arbi giving drill instruction to the high school players

Surigao, Philippines (NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges): Coach Clint Mondano of NEMCO surely has his hands, and mind, full these days.


When you rebuild a team, it takes time and much effort. It wont happen overnight. Sacrifices has to be made. People have to be made understand.


Website Admin: How do you intend to rebuild this team coach?


Coach: The first time I've coach this team, it is far what the team now. This team is blessed with talented players but it is talent alone. I've always wanted to be a part of the change in the way team basketball is to be played. Able to share my experiences and be able to develop great team basketball. Always start with the core of the team and make the team understand why we are playing basketball and how we are suppose to play the game. Share to team the system and basketball program that you ant to use to the team.


Website Admin: What changes you expect to have this 2011?


Coach: The team will be much competitive to any team and the region of to the national in general. It's a big dream but then I will do the best I can to prepare this team.


Website Admin: What do you think gives you the most success in 2010?


Coach: It's practice. Practicing hard and making sure we are doing the right thing.


Website Admin: Do you still have the edge to other team?


Coach: YES. The more this year, cause we will be practicing hard to defend the championship that we have.

“I think the key at this level is to play consistently. There is no point in playing well one day and going down the next,” NEMCO coach Clint Mondano told after the team loss in it's championship run against Veteran VIGOR.


For next school year:

“We are also expecting to play taller and stronger players compared to the ones we played in last year, which means we need to improve, our interior defense,” Mondano told this website as the team prepared for his second season as the basketball coach of the NEMCO Warriors. “This is what the boys have to understand and play. We have been focusing on stressing upon this factor at every training session,” he said.

With every game, our opponent was getting tougher, and seemed more determined to beat us. We had to maintain the focus throughout.

In fact, I think this is a win for the character and the discipline the boys showed.

It wasn’t as easy as it looked.

A novice referee can sink your chances of winning in Surigao City

A novice referee can sink your chances of winning a youth basketball game. 

"Our vision is to be recognized nationally and internationally as a leading national sports association — with successful programs and campaigns according to the following key elements: opportunities for all Filipinos to be involved in basketball at the level of their choice and ability; a healthy, safe and secure environment for everyone involved in the sport at all levels throughout the Philippines; a well-planned and managed training and competition facilities and equipment; good quality, well managed and socially responsible stakeholders and teams; increasing number of players, coaches, officials and administrators registering and involved in the sport; mass based, well-promoted, good quality and financially viable competitions; publicly recognized and accepted role models for the sport; a sport valued and highly regarded by governments, publics and the corporate community; increasing quality media exposure in all platforms and venues."

This is the real vision of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas. And what about the referees in Surigao City, Philippines? Bragging with their membership in the prominent organization of basketball athletes and basketball organization in the Philippines, but then their action in the way they officiate the game tarnish the entire organizations ideals and vision. 

Officials are suppose to be neutral and in a position that they will not be able to put the tournament or any basketball competition in unbalance situation. They should not be involve in any gambling and ethics dictates that they should maintain distance between any of the teams competing. And that is whats going on in the city of Surigao. Referees itself allows gambling and made it it legal by the way they handle things in the tournament. 

"They are not calling the game fair, it is obvious that the referees are treating the game in one side only. " 

In the recently concluded tournament, where can you find a league for which the championship is not yet over but then the awards are ready with specific labels on it. This is only shows that they already knew whats going to happen before the finals ends. "Officials and administrators registering and involved in the sport; mass based, well-promoted, good quality and financially viable competitions; publicly recognized and accepted role models for the sport; a sport valued and highly regarded by governments, publics and the corporate community; increasing quality media exposure in all platforms and venues." This is what the vision states for SBP.

"Pakapalan ng mukha ang nangyayari", it seems that they don't care what others says even to the point that they tarnishing the good name of the organization that is giving them the chance to run and officiate. The referees are not well informed with the new rules and provisions govern by FIBA in the sports of basketball. Can anybody respect this king of people? Will there will be sanctions for this?

Well then, God knows what they are doing and their time will come.

Second Place finish for the young determined warriors

March 14, 2011 - NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges finish second place in the recently concluded First Mayor Ernesto Matugas Open Basketball Tournament against the highly favored VIGOR Lending team.

After forcing a game three, warriors never taste a lead against the giants of Vigor. but warriors never shown any signs of accepting defeat. Down to the end the warriors shows everybody their never say die spirit. Despite of all criticism, warriors played at it's best.


Showing with its new line-up in preparation for the coming school year, NEMCO was able to bring forth a good game against a veteran and commercial laden line-ups.

Congratlations Warriors.

Friday's games postponed

Due to suspension of classes and citywide alerts caused by TSUNAMI Warning, 1st Mayor Nitoy Matugas Championship game pitting VIGOR Lending versus NorthEastern Mindanao College Warriors were postponed yesterday.

City Sports Coordinator Val Ma of Surigao City Sports Office made the announcement saying the resumption of the postponed matches will be rescheduled today, March 12, 201.

“We’re postponing our games because of the alert warning because we don’t to endanger not just our players but our students and supporters as well,” said Ma.

Games today for the game one of the best of three series championship game.

The moment of truth: FINALS 2011

March 9, 2011 - Moment of truth...

The decision to spread the minutes to everyone nearly took its toll on the Warriors, who led by as much as 9 points in the third quarter, as they needed to survive a late surge by the Kent Marketing Team to preserve the win, made the warriors advance to the championship game against VOGOR Lending team.

NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges made history when they defeated the best team and players in Surigao City. The first in the City,a commercial laden team with a class "A" caliber line-up vow down against the hungry varsity team of NEMCO Warriors.

Warriors coach Clint Mondano, however, is more wary on how to turn their obvious disadvantages against a taller, deeper KENT side.

Playing as an underdog throughout the game, Warriors remain calm as head coach Mondano always emphasizes every action on the court. "It's been a long night for both teams, our players played a great game." said NEMCO Sports Coordinator Edgar Lisondra.

NEMCO Warriors is now facing it's greatest test in Surigao Basketball and that is playing with the VIGOR Lending Team. Wen this two team met, VIGOR denied the warriors on it's second win in the tournament.

More than Alaba and Ganot’s heroics, it was defense and the minimizing of turnovers that spelled victory for the experienced-based players. Garde, Francisco, Piape and Lopez give the warriors the advantage throughout the game. Marquez playing in his off night work well in defense.

103-65: Enough is enough for the avenging warriors

March 6, 2011, Surigao City - Enough is enough for the warriors when coach Clint Mondano press the button against CELLTECH Team. When warriors posted the best ever in scoring parade, 113-65.

After the losing game against VIGOR, coach Mondano reestablished it's prominent intention to it's players and staff. "We could have won that game if only my players is in great mind set." said coach Mondano.

Everybody played great basketball for the warriors. Everyone contributed in both ends, defense and offense. "This is the game that coach always wanted us to play." said team captain Ramz Ugay.

All we can do now is wait...

Vigors survive Warriors late rally

March 4, 2011, City Gym, Surigao City -NEMCO Warriors went to its defense when its offense sputtered to make a come back against the commercial laden team of VIGOR Lending of Don Carmona. But the warriors fall short with its dramatic comeback, 78-64.

“I don’t mind if we play like this on offense as long as we play tough defense,” said Warriors head coach.

"I can only ask the players to play as hard as they can, but then if opportunity wont allow we can do only this much." coach added. It is the most awaited game of the night, with a gymnasium full of viewers who expect nothing but better basketball between NEMCO and VIGOR.

Warriors finish strong, turn back SEC

Surigao City, Philippines - NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges came out sizzling from a lackluster first half as it unloaded a 40-point splurge in the last two quarters to blast Surigao Education Center, 85-80, yesterday and leading bracket A in the 1st Mayor Nitoy Matugas Open Basketball Tournament.

Held to just eight points in the second quarter and 27 in the first half, the Warriors came roaring back in the fourth period, erasing a 3-point deficit  mid-way in the fourth period

SEC were on top, 59-58, at the end of the third then poured it all out in the fourth to win pulling away.

NEMCO leading scorer last year, Gerald Marquez poured for 19 points, including 10 in the third period. He also had 3 three point shots.

Jobert Lopez and Piape came through with 12 points, and orchestrating warriors offense.

“I have to give credit where credit is due and he really played well,” said NEMCO coach Clint Mondano.

Bryan Garde, Helino Francisco and Lord Toring paced the Warriors in controlling the inside defense and rebounds for the warriors..

Team preview: Will new breed of Warriors repeat glory?

Size, strength and talent. Name it, NEMCO has it all this year.
 

Blessed of winning its first crown last year, the Warriors remain hungry and that should serve as a motivating factor for them to bounce back strong this season.

2011 1st Mayor Nitoy Matugas Open Basketball Tournament Official Line-up

And the Surigao-based cagers have shown their title aspirations by acquiring new players that would help shore up their bid in this 2011 season.

Mainit towers Helino Francisco Jr. and Rodulfo Villaruel II and former AIT standout Jecker Ganot, returning warrior Jephaneeh Jamil and STI-Surigao best point guard from Mainit, Edmond Basil are some of the new big names that were included by coach Clint Mondano during the off season.

The Towers, both 6-foot-4  and 6-foot-2 respectively has a lot of potential, will bring in additional height and heft to NorthEastern Mindanao College Warrior's already solid frontline anchored on mainstay Raymond Lopez, second-generation player Richard Lumpay and beefy Andro Hibaya.

Experienced players like Ramz Ugay, Lord Toring, Jobert Lopez,  Eustaquio  Alaba and last last year NEMCO leading scorer Gerald Marquez will try to keep a hold of their younger teammates and lead the squad back on top.

Despite the overwhelming advantage in talent, assistant coach Rosbert Gesta believes the team has yet to gain its maturity.

"We still lack the experience. A lot of our players are young  around this season and this will be a test for our young guys to face the real challenge," said Gesta.

The lack of experience may take its toll on NEMCO, which half of its squad led by rookies and some of the holdovers playing on their second year.

Still, the Warriors are hoping to defend their way back on top and play to their true potential unlike in same preseason campaign where they had difficulty establishing their identity.

Whether talent would be enough to carry the squad remains to be seen.

"It's a great opportunity for us to get this kind of opportunity. It will keep us ready for the tougher games in the Surigao city and even outside the city as well," said Sports Coordinator Edgar Lisondra.

This season, the Warriors seek redemption, but they need to show team chemistry - and not rely on talent alone.

Double in the Island for the Young Warriors

February 22, 2011, SOCORRO - During 50th Araw ng Socorro Celebration, NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges Young Warriors was invited to play a best of 3 game against Socorro Junior All-Star.

With high confidence, Young Warriors won a nailed biting first game, 56-55, with a tough passing game for the Socorro Junior All Star. Warriors committed turn-over more than they usually have every game, which  alarmed head coach Mondano. "The players seems to have this feeling of excitement for which goes down to individual game." said coach Mondano.

During the second game in the afternoon, Coach Mondano concentrate more on the defense on the warriors which he think is questionable in the first game. Limit the Socorro All Star to a 55 point in the entire game. Willy Polina and Rian Elano ignited the warriors offense with great moves and offensive execution. 73-55 is the final score which gives the warriors the respect of the entire Socorro people whom watch the game.

78-78 OverTime Game against VIGOR Team

February 19, 2011 - The NEMCO Warriors Senior team played it's second tune-up game as part of it's preparation against Don Carmona VIGORS Team.

Warriors playing in a under man line-up, fought it's way against the full import line-up of Vigor. 78-78 is the score as the team manager of Vigor decided to stop the game. Leading the warriors is Jecker Ganot, the new addition in warriors senior team for the coming school year. Ganot finishes with 22 points, Rams Ugay added a force in offense with the absence of NEMCO leading scorer Gerard Marquez. JP Arong played a solid game, with no substitution for the entire game and give the final shot to tie the game 78 all. Controlling the boards for the warriors are Bryan Garde(Warriors Reinforce), Helino Francisco(New Warrior), Raymond Lopez, and Lord Toring.

While Vigors APAS give everybody with it's usual serving with a dozen of three point shots.

"It's been hard coaching a depleted roster knowing that we are up against the wall in the coming tournament. But I am proud to coach a team who continue to work hard to meet all the challenges that will come. All we need to do after this game is to refocus and make sure we are doing the right thing." said coach Mondano.

Not playing today are: Lopez, Piape(Warriors Reinforce), Basil(New Warrior), Jamil(New Warrior), Marquez, Alaba and Villaroel(New Warrior).

#6 Jobert Lopez, wins another BEST POINT GUARD Award

February 17, 2011, Surigao City Auditorium - In a recently concluded SUTODA Inter-Agency Basketball Tournament, NorthEastern Mindanao Colleges Warriors point guard JOBERT LOPEZ won another best point guard award.

It's his second best point guard award after winning the same award in 2010 Mayors Cup.With his quickness and relentless playing inside the court, Lopez helps the Surigao Metro basketball team in a losing effort against FICCO-Sison in their championship game.