Philippine basketball heroes today owe a lot to the people who honed them in their youth and have helped teach them to be not only the hardcourt icons, but also how to be responsible members of society. While basketball may be the means in which they inspire, they were once inspired by coaches who believed in them. Today, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) invests in those who make a difference in Philippine basketball's future stars.
When Al Panlilio assumed the presidency of the federation in 2017, his vision was to establish a sustainable grassroots development program for coaches as well as players, believing in the old adage "as you sow, so shall you reap" and equipping national coaches with tools, technology and a passion to inspire today's young basketball aspirants. That program is now underway.
Last September 22-23, SBP executive director Sonny Barrios, PBA Champion coach Jong Uichico, FEU assistant coach Ryan Betia and SBP resident coach Mark Solano visited Zamboanga City in Region IX the twelfth region out of sixteen that federation will implement its coaching program.
"The objective is to bring new coaching methodology closer to home," Panlilio said. "No need to pack their bags and go to Manila. Instead, SBP will go to them."
Sixty mentors from Sulu, Pagadian, Basilan and the host province took part in the two-day clinic.
"We have put into motion the coaching clinic under the SBP Coaches Commission headed by nine-time PBA champion and two-time Southeast Asian Games champion coach Jong Uichico," SBP Executive Director Renauld "Sonny" Barrios shared. "It is very timely because he now has the time to do it. Coach Jong mentioned that this is his way of contributing to the continuous development of basketball in far flung areas. It is his way of giving back."
Uichico was inspired to enter the field of coaching by the legendary Ron Jacobs, the mentor whose influence produced several notable coaches. Aside from Uichico, among other Jacobs alumni who eventually found their life track in coaching are Derrick and Franz Pumaren, Siot Tanquincen, Allan Caidic, Tonichi Yturri, Pido Jarencio, Olsen Racela and current San Miguel Beermen Head Coach Leo Austria.
Part of the curriculum is teaching basic fundamentals of coaching, from simple to complex drills up to the team concept perspective. Character building and coaching philosophy are also given emphasis.
SBP Region IX Director Pete Alfaro expressed appreciation to the federation and the coaches for this nationwide endeavor.
"Our local coaches were overwhelmed by the sincere gesture of SBP to transfer new basketball technology and upgrade their coaching skills," Alfaro said. "We hope that whatever learnings our coaches can imbibe, they can pass it on to our youth."
Zamboanga is well-represented in the PBA today with its products RR Garcia of TNT KaTropa and Mark Barroca of Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok being among the top playmakers in the league and models of exemplary character off the court.
"I am hopeful that with more coaching clinics administered by SBP, our coaches can develop and produce more PBA players in the future", Alfaro added.
The SBP will next journey to Davao, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), the National Capitol Region (NCR) North and Region II to complete its mission for this program. "(The) SBP is committed to make a difference in our country through basketball," Panlilio proudly stated. "Coaching the coaches is a sure way approach to strengthen the influence of public/private coaches, barangay coaches, aspiring and even established coaches. Basketball teaches discipline, hard work and teamwork, and it also promotes peace through sports diplomacy. Aside from that, basketball can be a ticket out of poverty. That is why we want our coaches to inspire the next generation."
Coaching the coaches is an innovative initiative by the SBP and with this program firmly ingrained in the federation's long-term plans to develop a comprehensive grassroots program on all fronts, the Philippines could be producing not only more hardcourt heroes in the coming years, but also top notch mentors who could be game-changers in the sport.