Hontiveros-led Alaska Basketball Powercamp culminates

Dondon Hontiveros (center with cap) poses with coaches, students and parents at the culmination of the Alaska Basketball Powercamp 2015 at the USJ-R Basak Campus. (CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON)

DONDON Hontiveros was a picture of contentment as he supervised the culmination of the Alaska Basketball Powercamp 2015 yesterday at the University of San Jose-Recoletos-Basak Campus Gym.

“It feels good to see these kids finish the camp knowing that we’ve done something to improve their skills,” said Hontiveros.

More than 80 aspiring basketball players aged seven to 15 joined the camp, which was held every Sunday starting October 31.

Fun-filled activities highlighted the camp’s culmination as the graduates were joined by their parents in various parlor games. The graduates were also tested in the skills competition and five-on-five games.

“We made it a point to also know the parents of the students. We encouraged them to accompany their children in the camp for them to see their growth,” said Hontiveros, who went straight to the airport after Alaska scored a 111-106 win over the Barako Bull Energy in the PBA Philippine Cup last Saturday night.

Hontiveros’ son Isaiah, who is a member of De La Salle University’s Team B, also mixed it up with the students.

“He plays the number five position since he is the tallest. But he can also bring the ball,” shared Hontiveros.

Though the camp ended yesterday, students will continue to learn more as a select group of players will compete in various tournaments.

“We are building up a 12-under team which compete in a three-day tournament sponsored by Alaska. A 16-under team will also compete in Online Basketball League,” said Hontiveros.

Nutrition, action and champion were three key things taught in the camp.

“In nutrition, we teach the kids the right food to eat and emphasize that they should get enough sleep. Action is applying the things they learned in the camp. Champion emphasizes having the right attitude. It is not just about winning but winning by doing the right way,” said Hontiveros.

The Cebuano Hotshot said a bigger basketball clinic is in store next year.

“We will bring the camp to other places. We have invitations from Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro and Butuan,” said Hontiveros.

Also, Jeffrey Cariaso, one of the assistant coaches Alaska, will be on hand for the camp’s opening salvo in Cebu on April 9.