By NG WEI LOON Friday September 2, 2011
weiloon@thestar.com.my Photos by AHMAD IZZRAFIQ ALIAS
THE Cempaka International School junior cagers were already in motion going through the warm-up session for almost an hour as they prepared to greet the special coaching crew at their school in Cheras recently.
Although they sweated it out under the watchful eyes of their coach Kan Kim Loon before their guests’ arrival from the local NBL Academy based in Klang, they did not show signs of fatigue in stepping up to tackle challenges in their workout.
In contrast, the group comprising more than 20 eager trainees raised the tempo in accepting the stimulating ways introduced by the academy’s head coach Toto Zamar and his assistant Nathaniel Salanga. The school captain Khong Dick Mun, said it was a great learning experience for them.
“It is always interesting to add different ideas in improving our game. We are very fortunate because we were offered a rare chance to pick up valuable pointers and understand the game better,” added the 17-year-old student, who has featured in the school team in district meets over the past three years.
Stressing a point: Coaches Toto Zamar (centre) and Nathaniel Salanga (right) showing the participants to get into the right position with steady stance.
The AND1 Streetball Challenge organisers requested for the duo from the Philippines to share the training methods in their bid to get the youngsters pumped up as they gear up for the three-on-three basketball grand finals scheduled at the Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 11.
Before they get into the thick of the action, Toto assured the youngsters that everyone will be engaging in various exciting drills designed to enhance their skills development.
For an energetic start, he did not pull back in encouraging and urging his charges to show more aggression in their defensive duties.
“It is easier to be charging forward in attack but it is tough to acquire the art of defending cleverly. In forcing a turnover, it is important to get into the right position with steady stance. They need to pressure and apply various tactics to gain possession of the ball,” said Toto, who also enlightened them with the formation in moving the ball around to execute the sequence of threatening passes.
Forcing the turnover: Toh Yan Shong (right) closing down on Tay Chee Sin in a defensive drill.
For the upcoming challenge sanctioned by Malaysia Basketball Association (Maba), the organisers are expecting a total of 200 teams to sign up in five separate categories including boys’ Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18; girls’ Under-18 and men’s Under-25.
Among the partners are Milo (official beverage), StarMetro (official Media), One FM (official radio), Berjaya Times Square (official venue sponsor) and Celcom Axiata (co-sponsor).
The registration fee is RM90 per team. Entry closes Sept 7.
Each player will receive an AND1 jersey and each team will be given an AND1 basketball.
The top four teams in each category will be rewarded with prizes for their feats.
For details, visit www.and1malaysia.blogspot.com
Although they sweated it out under the watchful eyes of their coach Kan Kim Loon before their guests’ arrival from the local NBL Academy based in Klang, they did not show signs of fatigue in stepping up to tackle challenges in their workout.
In contrast, the group comprising more than 20 eager trainees raised the tempo in accepting the stimulating ways introduced by the academy’s head coach Toto Zamar and his assistant Nathaniel Salanga. The school captain Khong Dick Mun, said it was a great learning experience for them.
“It is always interesting to add different ideas in improving our game. We are very fortunate because we were offered a rare chance to pick up valuable pointers and understand the game better,” added the 17-year-old student, who has featured in the school team in district meets over the past three years.
Stressing a point: Coaches Toto Zamar (centre) and Nathaniel Salanga (right) showing the participants to get into the right position with steady stance.
The AND1 Streetball Challenge organisers requested for the duo from the Philippines to share the training methods in their bid to get the youngsters pumped up as they gear up for the three-on-three basketball grand finals scheduled at the Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 11.
Before they get into the thick of the action, Toto assured the youngsters that everyone will be engaging in various exciting drills designed to enhance their skills development.
For an energetic start, he did not pull back in encouraging and urging his charges to show more aggression in their defensive duties.
“It is easier to be charging forward in attack but it is tough to acquire the art of defending cleverly. In forcing a turnover, it is important to get into the right position with steady stance. They need to pressure and apply various tactics to gain possession of the ball,” said Toto, who also enlightened them with the formation in moving the ball around to execute the sequence of threatening passes.
Forcing the turnover: Toh Yan Shong (right) closing down on Tay Chee Sin in a defensive drill.
For the upcoming challenge sanctioned by Malaysia Basketball Association (Maba), the organisers are expecting a total of 200 teams to sign up in five separate categories including boys’ Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18; girls’ Under-18 and men’s Under-25.
Among the partners are Milo (official beverage), StarMetro (official Media), One FM (official radio), Berjaya Times Square (official venue sponsor) and Celcom Axiata (co-sponsor).
The registration fee is RM90 per team. Entry closes Sept 7.
Each player will receive an AND1 jersey and each team will be given an AND1 basketball.
The top four teams in each category will be rewarded with prizes for their feats.
For details, visit www.and1malaysia.blogspot.com
