“NEVER get bored with the basics.”
Multi-titled coach Joseph “Jong” Uichico, head of the SBP Coaches’ Academy, on Friday reiterated this line popularized by the late great Kobe Bryant to fire up a scheduled two-day coaches’ clinic/seminar in Cagayan de Oro starting Saturday, February 22, at the Corpus Christi gym.
“Two things I like the most with the Black Mamba was his winning attitude he’s not afraid to take responsibility in crucial situation just like Michael Jordan--win or lose; and his insatiable appetite to devour the basic fundamentals of basketball. The very reason why he became the best athlete in his generation. Of course, part of the Mamba mentality and attitude towards the game will be shared in our SBP Coaches’ Clinic and Accreditation for Level 1.2,” said Uichico on Friday afternoon’s forum at the City Hall.
Best remembered for leading the Beermen to six PBA championships, Uichico met the local press in the company of Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar S. Moreno, City Councilor John Michael Seno, newly-minted SBP Regional Director for Region 10 Stephen “Pong” Dacoco, Gilas Pilipinas Youth Strength and Conditioning coach Martin Alido and Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team assistant coach Mark Solano.
Pong Dacoco, son of grizzled Oro basketball coach Edgardo “Boy” Dacoco, was happy to inform that from around 50 last year, this year’s SBP activity has attracted over 170 participants from across Northern Mindanao.
“We expect more walk-in entries by tomorrow (Saturday) as some interested parties from as far as Tawi-Tawi have called us earlier and signified their intention to participate,” the younger Dacoco, said.
“And that’s because coaching basketball has fast become a profession than mere hobby nowadays,” added Seno, who chairs the 19th City Council’s sports committee.
Mayor Moreno, a former SBP national chairman himself, explained that developing the grassroots sports level cannot be attained overnight, or by way of “magic” since success in sports is a product of a long term investment cum sacrifices, literally through “sweat”, “tears” and “blood”.
“We might have another Jojo Lastimosa or Gio Jalalon in the future but we need the technical aspect that coach Jong and the SBP team could offer to help us achieve this goal,” said Moreno, who clarified that sports development will always have his full backing because it develops character individually which is highly significant for nation building.
The coaches’ training seminar is open to everyone whether the participants are from LGUs, private schools, DepEd teachers and coaches, recreational coaches, newbie, intermediate, seasoned coaches, and all interested parties.
“How my 28-year experience in basketball will translate or can be maximized in just a two-day event is a thing that will be known on Saturday and Sunday for the SBP clinic participants in Cagayan de Oro,” was coach Jong’s intriguing parting shot.