NBA vet’s youth clinic kicks off today

After a week of working with coaches and members of the CNMI National Basketball teams, delegates of University of Nations—led by former NBA forward David Wood—will now work with the youth as their clinic kicks off today at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Registration for the clinic closed last week, with about 115 players signed up in each of the two age groups.

The clinic begins this morning with players between the ages of eight and 12 years taking advantage of their opportunity from 8am to 12pm. The UN team will then switch attention to players between the ages 13 and 17 years from 1pm to 4pm.

“They’re going to go over some basics, fundamentals of basketball, and focus on character building,” said George Cruz, who is one individual who played and instrumental part in the organizing of the clinics.

The UN delegation comprises of Wood, former University of Nevada coach Mike Brown, former athletic director of University of Nevada Dick Dankworth, and baseball veteran Dan Dix.

Cruz added that 50 young cagers will be selected from the group and will also get the opportunity to spend an hour and a half from Monday to Wednesday with the UN team after the clinic sessions.

“They’re going to be talking, sharing experience, watching some videos, and also talking about basketball,” Cruz said. “The location for that has yet to be finalized but it should all be ready by [today].”

With a large number of kids registered, Cruz said the UN team will be assisted by participants of last week’s coaches clinics.

“The CNMI nationals teams and all the coaches that took part in the coaches clinic will be helping ,” he said. “They were given coaches shirts this past Saturday, so they’ll be helping out during the week and practicing what they’ve learn.”

The clinic comes to a close on Thursday with a championship tournament in the morning and an awards ceremony at 12pm.

“It’s what we’ve been really pushing for,” Cruz said. “We’re trying to get the kids exposed and the team is going to look at what are some of the potentials out there of our kids, so it’s time for them to shine.”

Cruz said the Gov. Benigno R. Fitial has confirmed to be on hand during the ceremony, as well as other guests who will assist in presenting the awards.

All participants will receive a certificate and special awards will also be presented to top performers.