MBT stint helps CNMI develop players

Assistant coach Quincy Johnson believed the CNMI accomplished something in the 2011 Micronesian Basketball Tournament despite failing to make it to the medal podium in last month’s competition in Palau.

He said the Commonwealth managed to find seven dedicated players, exposed them to a tough competition, and prepare them for an even harder tournament in the future.

“The tournament in Palau was not about winning or losing. It was about developing young athletes and introducing them to a big tournament. It helped them understand what kind of pressure they would face on and off the court and how will they prepare themselves mentally and physically for the games,” Johnson said.

Johnson and his wards–Christian Mizer, Jaymie Sanarez, Ankie Manalili, Josephus Aguilar, Jacob Palacios, Christopher Cepeda, and Kobee Mendoza—finished fourth in the five-team tournament. The CNMI had the fewest players in the field, but despite its handicap, the Commonwealth youth cagers fought hard in every game.

“Our players poured sweat, day in and day out to make the team. They were dedicated no matter what the odds were—the size of the other team and how tired they were—they never gave up. This is the kind of effort that makes a team. Against Guam and Palau, we had to go into the games expecting to be pressed. They knew we had a shallow bench so they used it against us. However, players learned how to get the proper rest and understood what kinds of tactics were needed to help conserve their energy for the final quarter,” Johnson said.

After their tough MBT debut, Johnson is hoping that these players will stick together and continue training for future tournaments.

“It is in BANMI’s and also the players’ interest to work towards the next level of competitions, like the U17, U19, and open divisions,” said the former CNMI Nationals member.

“Two players on our team—Christian Mizer and Joe Aguilar—will be will be stepping up to the U17 division. They were our big men in Palau and they know now what is expected of their skills. If they keep practicing, they will go far,” Johnson said.

The assistant coach added he wished more players will show up in CNMI try outs and join the training pool.

“We had only seven players and obviously, we have more rooms. There are many kids, certainly more than seven, on this island that have the potential to be good basketball players. It is mind boggling and also disappointing to ask why it is so difficult to form a team for such a great tournament. So in future tournaments, I would like to see more of these young athletes step up and put in the effort it takes to become better athletes,” Johnson said.