Saturday April 4, 2009 By NG WEI LOON
DESPITE the unpredictable weather, the turnout for the sixth edition of the AND1 Streetball Challenge first coaching clinic was exceptional.
However, the session held at the USJ6/2B outdoor basketball court and scheduled for 90 minutes, did not go the full distance due to the evening drizzle.
However, the session held at the USJ6/2B outdoor basketball court and scheduled for 90 minutes, did not go the full distance due to the evening drizzle.
Exceptional turnout: More than 50 budding cagers joined the coaching clinic.
About 50 budding cagers aged between 11 and 21 years showed up to go through the drills under the tutelage of national women’s basketball assistant coach Yoong Sze Yuin.
Yoong said it was a refreshing change for the coaching crew to reach out to the basketball followers from the neighbourhood.
“We were excited about the opportunity to help them to build strong fundamental skills and pursue the game to a higher level. Our aim is also to encourage them to enjoy the game and have fun when they step on the court. Although it was wet day, it did not deter them from coming out in full force,” she added.
The fairer sex took charge of the session as the former national captain Yoong also came with two national women’s cagers — Thoh Chai Ling and Choo Shwok Ping — in tow to demonstrate the moves as they guided the youngsters through the pace.
The 26-year-old Thoh said it was a good experience to share their knowledge with the participants.
“We did not expect them to master the moves in such a short period. But, they definitely gave their best and followed our instructions in executing the drills,” added Thoh.
After executing several ball handling exercises for about 30 minutes, the participants were given the opportunity to have a shot at winning wristbands and balls in the shooting contest before heading for an early shower.
One of the top three performers of the inaugural StarMetro In Search of Freestylists Anirudh Aravind was also present to inspire the participants.
As the buildup to the opening leg at the Summit USJ on April 26, the organisers also took the opportunity to distribute the entry forms to the youngsters.
They can accommodate up to a maximum of 350 teams in six categories — boys’ Under-13, boys’ Under-15, boys’ Under-18, boys’ Under-21, girls’ Under-15 and girls’ Under-18 — to be part of the occasion.
Newcomer Calvin Lim, who took up basketball at the beginning of the year, said he was hoping to feature in the upcoming 3-on-3 basketball meet.
The 11-year-old from SRJK (C) Chee Wen in Subang Jaya also scored a memorable outing and went home with a ball from the three-point shooting contest.
