ENTHUSIASTIC KIDS SHOWS THEIR SKILLS AT THE DIGICEL JUMPSTART CLINICS

September 19, 2016September 26, 2016 News Room

Digicel NBA Jumpstart Clinics move on to Dominica and Trinidad and Tobago on September 23-25, 2016

The seven basketballers from the Jamaica that were selected to attend the Elite Camp in October are Amani Cook, Daniel Jones, Jeffrey Zheng, Pierce Mackenzie, Samora Williams, Shadae Powell and Tyrese Thompson

Kingston, Jamaica: Once again, the young basketballers from the Digicel Jumpstart Clinics lived up to the hype and showed the coaches just how passionate they are about basketball and learning more about the game. The coaches visited Antigua and Barbuda and Jamaica where they selected their xxx and xxx set of boys and girls to move on to the Academy in early October. According to the coaches, the youngsters showed the right attitude and attention to detail – qualities that are key to being successful in the game.

Antigua and Barbuda:

Senior Manager Basketball Operations Brazil at National Basketball Association, Daniel Soares, said; “The players already have the talent – we just help teach them new ways to use said talent. What I look for, in particular, is the potential to understand the little intricacies of the defenses and offenses and adapt accordingly. I also stress the value of teamwork, respect and sportsmanship which will help them on and off the court.”

Jamaica:

Senior Coordinator Basketball Operations Mexico at National Basketball Association, Adrian Alvarez Leo, said; “The kids genuinely impressed me with their knowledge of the game and their enthusiasm to learn and develop their skills. When talent meets the right attitude, you have success and albeit I only spent three days with them, I can tell they are headed for success.”

The next set of Clinics will be in Dominica at Goodwill hardcourt in St. George and in Trinidad and Tobago at the UWI Spec in St. Augustine.

Now in their second year, the Digicel NBA Jumpstart Basketball Clinics train more than 400 of the top male and female talents across the Caribbean. The top seven players from each market will be selected to attend the Elite Camp in the British Virgin Islands in October.

Upcoming Clinics

Location

Programme Dates

Dominica

Sept. 23-25

Trinidad and Tobago

Sept. 23-25

British Virgin Islands – Elite Camp

Oct. 7-9

The five kids to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the Elite Camp in October share a photo with Idia Ogala, NBA Marketing and Advertising Global Partner, and Daniel Soares, NBA Senior Manager of Basketball Operations in Brazil. The seven players are Mico Scotland, Alexis Jackson, Anthony Greer, Lincoln Weekes, Ahmani Browne

Commentary

We may not see the immediate return on this investment by Digicel until down the road. These youngster can and do go to greener pastures if our markets cannot hold them.

Development in human capital is never lost … even if these newly minted youngsters migrate to other climes.

We hail the Jumpstart concept … it is an idea whose time has come.

We say keep up the good work of demonstrating sound corporate responsiveness Digicel.

Commentary by Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie – Senior International Correspondent & photojournalist for Vision Newspaper Canada.