Dondon Hontiveros (left) shows the proper way of dribbling in yesterday’s Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 at the Don Bosco Technology Center. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)
THE JR. NBA Philippines 2017 got a very special guest yesterday as none other than the “Cebuano Hotshot” Dondon Hontiveros graced the two-day camp, which began yesterday at the Don Bosco Technology Center.
The Alaska Aces veteran shared that growing up; he never got the opportunity to participate in such intensive and scientific training sessions. So, he urged the youngsters to take advantage of the opportunity to be trained by both local and Manila-based coaches such as Christian Luanzon, Erick dela Cuesta and Louie Gonzalez, among many others.
PBA great Jeffrey Cariaso will be flying in today to join the second day of the camp presented by Alaska Cebu Regional Selection Camp.
“It’s very encouraging and inspiring. Some kids were already here as early as 6 a.m. and they had to wait an hour or two to register. To see them do that and be excited, makahinumdum ko what it used to be like for us. It’s inspiring and refreshing for all of us to see,” said Hontiveros who incidentally, was back at his old high school stomping grounds.
“It’s really a huge advantage for them to have this kind of experience,” he added.
The former Cebu Gems star also encouraged the assembled kids to work more on their fundamentals in an era where crossovers and stepback three-pointers are glorified more and more.
“They should get an hour or two just to work on your game. Dribbling, shooting, etc. I started with shooting kay di man jud ko taas sauna. I had speed but I wasn’t the fastest so in order to be an asset on the team, I really had to be the best shooter or one of the best,” added Hontiveros.
Jr. NBA coach Chris Sumner related that apart from the skills that most of the campers had, it was their “effort and energy” that stood out most.
“Energy and effort. That’s something you can’t teach but it’s contagious. As coaches, we can teach you what you need to know but we can’t teach you energy and effort. I’m just happy to see kids on the sideline, picking up a ball and practicing when they’re not doing drills. I’m very encouraged to see those things and it can lead to good things for them,” said Sumner.