Tuesday 1st September 2015 – Kingston, Jamaica: The aspiring young players from Antigua and Barbuda impressed the NBA coaches and showed great athleticism on the court during the recently-held Digicel Jumpstart basketball Clinics.
The Clinics saw the best basketball players coming out to show their skill and learn as much as they can from the NBA coaches. Senior Director of International Basketball Operations at the NBA, Troy Justice, said; “The players showed great improvement over the two days. We saw a lot of players who were passionate about the game and had natural athletic talent. It was great to see some talented young players. We look forward to coming back each year to work with them. They have a lot of potential.”
Hard work vital to success
Although a number of the players possessed natural talent, Justice was quick to point out that in order to take their game to the next level, all the players needed to put in the necessary work in order to keep growing, he said; “The Digicel Jumpstart Clinics are giving these players the tools needed to take their game to the next level. However, basketball is a process, so they need to keep focused and committed to the things we are teaching them and work at it.”
Commenting on the five players who were selected to attend the Elite Camp, Justice said; “The players were thankful for the opportunity to be selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the Elite Camp in Trinidad and Tobago. They were not only good players but possessed the leadership qualities we were looking for. These five players will have to practice every day in preparation for the upcoming Elite camp.”
The Digicel Jumpstart Clinics is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young players to showcase their talent and learn from official NBA coaches. It also teaches importance of work ethic, values, proper sportsmanship and motivates children to be the best they can be on and off the court.
