COMPLETELY buying into the Jr. NBA concept and what it stands for, Sacramento Kings player Willie Cauley-Stein encourages young kids to grab the opportunity to join the program and take in the valuable lessons that go with it.
Currently in town to facilitate in the conduct of the Jr. NBA Philippines National Training Camp this weekend, Mr. Cauley-Stein said he feels privileged to come to the Philippines and do his part for Jr. NBA as he believes what the program tries to impart would go a long way in another person’s life.
“I was really looking forward to coming here as I heard a lot of great things about the Philippines and its passion for basketball,” said the third-year pro out of the University of Kentucky as he met members of the local sports media on May 15.
“A kid cannot have a bad experience in the Jr. NBA program. The whole concept of it, anchored on the S.T.A.R. values, is very huge. It goes beyond basketball. You don’t use those lessons just in hoops. You use them in everyday life. And it’s nice to know that the NBA is instilling these to young people,” added Mr. Cauley-Stein, referring to the S.T.A.R. core values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect that the Jr. NBA is championing.
The NBA is sharing its vision for the Jr. NBA program by going around different parts of the country and conducting a variety of camps, clinics, skills challenges, league play and outreach events.
Mr. Cauley-Stein is to be joined by WNBA legend Shery Swoopes in helping Jr. NBA Philippines conclude its 11th straight year of staging with the national training camp.
The culminating activity of the program, happening at the Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati on May 19 and at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on May 20, will feature the top 75 boys and girls aged 10 to 14 culled from the various selection camps previously held.
Also at the Natonal Training Camp, the search for the 2018 Coaches of the Year will conclude and the winning coaches will take part in the NBA experience trip alongside the Jr. NBA All-Stars.
KINGS CAREER
Meanwhile, turning his attention to his NBA career, Mr. Cauley-Stein said he is happy with the way things have been panning out with the Kings.
“I think we have a good group of young guys. We are still in the process of figuring things out but I know we will get there,” said the Sacramento big man, who finished their season by averaging career-highs of 12.8 points, seven rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals.
He also spoke of how he adjusted when he was thrust to the fore after erstwhile Kings All-Star DeMarcus Cousins was traded midway last season.
“I was just ready. Playing behind DeMarcus I was working on my game and when he left I just stepped up,” he said.
Moving forward, Mr. Cauley-Stein said they hope they get to continue improving as a group in Sacramento, which incidentally is set to pick second at this year’s rookie draft following the drawing of lots on Wednesday.
“It is about us playing together well. I think that will be key for the team moving forward. I don’t have any particular player in mind to choose in the draft but hopefully who the team selects gets to contribute in what we are trying to achieve of playing well together,” he said. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
