We can coach the team now!
July 26, 2010
I am not sure what you can say about coaching a team of 1.5billion or even the estimated 4 million that play basketball in India. . . but never the less, “We can coach the team now” – was the sentiment (and face book status update of Divya Singh) of the Indian coaches as they completed our recent State Department program at George Mason University.
Our objective for the 12 Indian coaches was for them to come for training and bring the new expertise back to India for the next generation of Indian players and coaches.
It seems like yesterday, (Although it was almost two years ago ) when we first discussed applying for the US Department of State Sports Initiative Grant at Friend of a Farmer restaurant in Washington, DC.
Since that time, Craig, Bob and I have embarked on two exciting and successful missions throughout India to share our basketball knowledge with four separate local Indian communities. We have stories and photos to match the litany and cast of characters and sport stakeholders we met along the way. After my own Incredible India experience over the past three and a half years, I have come to know once you become part of India, India becomes part of you.
I felt like a little kid and was all too excited to complete part three of the program and host IN AMERICA! 12 coaches from India.
The coaches were chosen by our in-country partner, The Basketball Federation of India and many of our new friends were visiting the US for the first time. The program itinerary was crafted by Dr. Baker and Coach Esherick to touch on every aspect of sport training and marketing with a main emphasis on basketball training. Program participants were also taken for on- site seeing tours and shopping in our nations capital. In addition the coaches took classes and exams to earn coaching certifications by passing the NAASM exam.
I was uncertain what to expect until a bleary eyed Shiba Maggon was ready to hit the library to find some basketball books – 5 mins after arriving on campus (after about 48 hours of flying as she was coming from Thailand girls championships). This type of enthousiasm and thirst of learning the game was very inspiring and shows good potential for India basketball! We expect the coaches will integrate some of the learned methods into their local teams (I.e. Shiba, India Womens’ Jr. Team); we are hoping the real benefactors will be the masses they interact with, that they return to India.
Each day the coaches had two or three separate sessions either on the basketball court or in the classroom. Classes were on training techniqes, nutrititions, sports psychology, game marketing, basketball strategy and more. In the evenings we had dinner and their favorite past time – shopping.
I didn’t take a team wide poll – but it seems Best Buy was the biggest winner on this trip! Many of the coaches purchased laptops and electronics as it is much cheaper here. Special meals were also arranged for them at Brion’s café- a GMU hotspot.
The coaches arrived every day excited to learn, often times asking extra questions extending the sessions. It was touching to hear Ram Kapur ( We were told he is the best shooter ever out of India? Someone needs to write back and please confirm) and the rest talk about their dream of raising the level of play of game in India.
The Indian coaches were very genuine and post program, I am happy to call them all friends.
One of the greatest memories for me was to take the guys on the DC metro on July 4th down to the Iwo Jima Memorial for the fireworks. We laughed as the subway was super packed, reminding us of the train from Dardar to VT!
All the American coaches were touched when the Indian coaches, led by Yuvika, arranged an Indian dinner at Bombay Café a local place in Fairfax. It was here we were presented with Common Wealth Game polos and baseball caps – - I was so excited to receive the same as Ram Kumar and Mr. Singh – a Chelsea FootBall Club Carolina blue topper that I’m wearing as I write this blog! And, as Babu promised, the food was authentic and amazing!
Clearly these talented individuals could coach the team before, but I think now maybe, just maybe, now they can coach it a little bit better. Stay tuned, I will be announcing my next India trip shortly!
A special thank you to all our guest speakers:
Joseph Tuomo – (Former Georgetown Player) Individual workout
Jatin Ambegaonkar – GMU sports nutrition and injury prevention
Jason Winchestor – GMU Conditioning, Exercise Science and Weightlifting
Chris Caputo – GMU Basketball – Offensive screening
Jodi Lavin – Flint Hill H.S. (VA)
Charley Casserly – GMU / Former Washington Redskins GM
Prof Waddel – GMU Sports Psychology
Karrington Symonds — Hoop Magic discussion of basketball business
Eric Legg/Liz Reed — Arlington Parks Department The Administration and Coaching of Youth Basketball
Potomac Falls HS coaches — Special situations, high school basketball coaching in Virginia and Maryland, how to pick a team, issues with parents
And of course a special thank you to GMU and to Craig and Bob (and his wife Pam!) for another amazing India adventure!
To see more photos of the program, please visit us on Facebook:
Indian Coaches Coming to America for training!
June 23, 2010
As part of US Department of State Grant, George Mason University & jdBASKETBALL (www.jdbasketball.com) 10 Indian coaches will visit the Fairfax VA campus (www.GMU.edu) from July 2- 12 to undergo intense training courses.
The mission for the program is to develop cross cultural connections thru sports and this exchange is part of a three step approach as the American coaches, Dr. Bob Baker, Craig Esherick, and JD Walsh have visited India November 2009 and April 2010 conducting basketball camps in Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and Bangalore (with the Mens’ senior national team).
The program leaders, Professors Craig Esherick and Robert Baker designed a schedule which includes top on court and off court activities. Coaches will learn about coaching philosophy, nutrition, strategy as well as marketing and organization. Attendees will learn the HS, college and professional US System first hand Upon completion of the program, the coaches shall receive NASSM coaching certificate.
Included in the program, the coaches will have the chance to visit our nations capital. beautiful Washington, DC and view a Major League Baseball Game.
The coaches were selected by in-country Indian partner BFI (Basketball Federation of India).
The coaches invited to partake are……
Abdul Hamid Khan.
Aparna Ghosh
Bijender Hooda
Prasanna Jayasankar
Rajesh Patel
Rajinder Singh
Ram Kumar
Shiba. Maggon
Divya Singh
Gour Raghavendra Singh
Yuvika Sharma
Vinod Vacahni
jd@jdbasketball.com
ready, steady, go!
May 2, 2010
“ Ready, Steady, Go! “, our driver yelled as we hurriedly exited the SUV to Cafe Coffee Day thru the thunder and lightning storms. Unsuccessfully we ran between the raindrops and into the ultra modern building. It looks even more futuristic next to the old dusty Bangalore street. The sign read – A lot can happen over coffee– that is true — but I started thinking, lot can happen over india too!
What can I say?, but yet another amazing India adventure…..God is blessing me, my soul has found a home.
Amidst all the heat waves, rains, IPL games and IPL/ Modi scandal stories, the wedding, not wedding, divorce, 15,000 Rs , and wedding again for cricket and tennis stars there we were. . .
Me, Craig and Bob, in South India for US Department of State program Part 2.
We stood in a familiar place, the SDAT stadium in Chennai all sorts of garland, sandlewood, and full of optimism. Reintroduced to some old friends and future hoop stars – it all felt so homey. I can’t believe I have been back to this city six times to do clinics!
Because of Chennai’s success and interest in the basketball, I think Tamil Nadu maybe the basketball capital of India! I know they have been practicing because all the paint that was fresh just September (only) has been wiped away clean.
We enjoyed a nice start to an extensive four days training on Offenses and Defenses for the 40 players and 25 coach attendees. We started warm-up drills and had the coaches learn and emulate the following day. We ran , dribbled and sweated our way thru the heat in gymnasuim. Its a great feleling to give it your all!
The girls team from Erode was always early –getting in the extra shots! I can tell from the previous training they are really improving. The new wave of women in sport in India is really inspiring.
On our off day we visited St. Thome Cathedral Basilica in Chennai a beautiful church and the burial of St. Thomas the Apostle (One of only 3 apostle burials in the world) .
We did double sessions for four days straight to a group of very enthusiastic coaches.
By programs end, I felt we helped to lay down the foundation the coaches can implement for significant progress.
The Vice counsel himself, Matthew Petit from South India, reminded all of the good effects these people to people programs have. He even spoke Tamil!
Ever since coming to India in 2007, I wanted to see and train the best. Of course meant the ‘Young Cagers’ – the Mens Indian Sr. National Team.
During our trip in February to GMU, President of Basketball Federation of India (BFI) , Mr. Harish Shirma asked if we would be wiling to work with the Mens Senior National team for a few days at Sports Authority of India (SAI) during our stay Bangalore.
Excitedly we agreed and immediatly finalized our bookings at the Bangalore Club, and old social club that dates over 100 years and boasts of the stays of Sir Winston Churchill himself!
SAI training complex is located about 45minutes outside of town, somehow our driver Raj managed to circumnavigate the crazy traffic alike a pro. It is a huge campus connected to Bangalore University with an Olympic Size swimming pool and golf course.
The Head Coach, Alexander Bucan and Assistant, Mohit Bhandari prepared the guys and was a big help us in organizing the four day program. Tunsulia from the Basketball Federation of India was also there. The SAI training hall is used for volleyball, badminton and is overseen by posters of Hindu gods and a banner that surrounds a clock ( I still have no idea why) . Coaches from throughout South India (Kerala to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) joined in.
We started with the Fearless Seven but when Dinesh CV was injured on Day 1 we were down to the Super Six. Luckily a local army team arrived and on we went with teaching more complex basketball.
We put in alot of work on 2-2-1 full court zone press and press break (pressure set) and a motion offense. The team has talent, especially some of the younger guys.
We did meet a few people along the way and visit Subhash basketball an NGO to say hi to the kids.
Troy Justice, newly hired basketball operations for the NBA came down and we had a nice chat. The NBA India recently announced a recreational league that will certainly add in the development and popularity of the game in India!
Historic.
(Click to read more about our trip in this month SLAM MAGAZINE by Karan Madhok)
Lastly:
Rest In Peace to a good friend fellow India sports lover, Joseph Ollapally. I will really miss you, my friend.
My sisters 2nd grade class (Scaggy Hill Elementary, Port Jefferson, NY) asked me to take a long ‘Flat Stanley’ a school project, thank you for all my new friends and their willingness to comply! You guys made a lot of kids really happy!
It’s official: We’re coming back to Bharat!
March 7, 2010
As part of the US Department of State Program, jdBASKETBALL + partner George Mason University Center Sports Management (Dr. Bob Baker, Craig Esherick) are returning to India for basketball training to foster goodwill and ambassadorship.
April 7-10 – Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu Chennai
April 10-15 – Men’s National Team training – Bangalore, India
India Basketball: Soft Power Diplomacy
December 4, 2009
US Department of State Program
jdBASKETBALL + George Mason University
Soft Power Diplomacy
I just finished another amazing tour in India!
From the TEDIndia conference, to hooping it up around the subcontinent, I’d have to say this is one of my best trips yet!
This jdBASKETBALL happening is part of the US Department of State Sports Programming Initiative with institutional partner George Mason University.
Delhi, Kolkata
From the Park Hotel and Delhi YMCA, Rajeev and Ramesh are in five star class suits looking like hi rollers! — To the infamous Mr. P.M. John, — Sagar, Ayesha the Bengali and Delhi hoop lovers, little Buddah and the Bengal Club, this trip enjoyed rediscoveries and many new friends along the way. They are all in my heart and I take their memories with me on my journey.
The photos from the program/trip can be found here: www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india
The only casualty of the trip was a few missed taxis’s, a reserved but unpaid air ticket, and a pair of broken glass frames, which happened during one of the drills. Hmm, I wonder how that happened . . . Coach???
It was also the first time in my (almost) four years and 150+ days of clinics in India that I brought along a couple of friends for the ride.
Craig Esherick (former head basketball coach at Georgetown University) and Dr. Bob Baker (Head of sports Management at George Mason University) came and did great job. Showing them around India was a pleasure. It’s always fun watching how the Indian players and coaches respond!
I even met the famous Indian singer, Usha Uthup – now that is an amazing woman!
Newly appointed by President Obama, Timothy Roemer, the US Ambassador to India, dropped in unexpectedly and took part in the drills. He then gave an impromptu chat to the kids. His message: dream big!
The Ambassador even mentioned (unbeknownst to me) that his three kids had been to one of my camps and loved it! I was surprised and humbled for sure!
JD Walsh with Ambassador Roemer at New Delhi YMCA
There’s a lot more in store for the next month, so stay tuned!
Clearly, I am having a hard time distinguishing where is home these days. As they say in India – I am here, only.
I could write more, but videos can tell a million words. Check out these trip highlights:
TEDIndia
26-11-09
November 26, 2009
Life is precious…
The Taj is my favorite hotel in the world. . . I went back (a year and a day) later to pay my respects. . .
(Picture taken two days before the attack.)
Karambir Singh Kang was a hero of the attacks. Sadly, he lost his family — please keep him in your prayers always — he is in mine.
This was a note he wrote me during an April, 2008 stay. . .
26-11-2009 Video Clip
Letter from Ambassador Timothy J. Roemer
November 19, 2009
Delhi YMCA program GMU + jdBASKETBALL
November 11, 2009
Chennai, Oh my!
November 1, 2009
Nine days into my trip and just finished a clinic for the State Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. This being my fifth separate trip to Chennai, I am realizing the strong community involvement and commitment in the state for sports. The program was held outside of Nehru Stadium in Chennai where FIBA Asia is playing the women’s championships and the excitement of the tournament certainly tricked down into eighty or so teen aged boys and girls sporting new multi color uniforms. It is a special time here in India as we are between Eid, a Muslim holiday and Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights!
Theres no question, it was hot — pushing 95 or so degrees during the apex, luckily we started at 6:30am both days! We first worked on footwork and 3 on 3 pass/ screen away and eventually evolved to putting in the old Maryland ‘dead ball set’ – flex-type offense. Fortunately many of the coaches in attendance were present in April so this camp allowed for us to build upon my last Chennai clinic. The program went along smoothly until I tried to count to ten in Hindi during a drill (which is my basic extent of Hindi right now) and Coach Delmar said, they don’t understand Hindi or English- only Tamil! Also of note, later that session, I looked back to hear roars of laughter coming from about thirty yards away. Of course, I was the only one who it seemlingly surprised. It was laugh therapy after yoga — only in India!
After the program, I was given a special gold painted bling bling uber huge necklace (if anyone knows the name for this, please email or call me) to display (pictures to come) . The directors SDAT Senior Manager, Stephan David and Mary Rajathy, General Manager were present the entire time. Listening to them speak about the youth and their vision for sport in India was moving. It was also good to see the coaches again (especially Raja from JAIN School) , and I can honestly say they must be putting the time is because the player skill level is certainly rising! Yes, there is hope for the next generation!
These kids and coaches love basketball! Check out some interviews I did with the kids:
What is your sweet name?
The best uniforms in all of tamil Nadu :
The FIBA Asia women’s championships have provided some great games for us spectators. Chennai put in a brand new floor for the event, and it really makes the stadium look world class! China vs. Korea match had an NCAA tournament-type air to it, and most suspect they will meet again in the final on Thursday. Team India has struggled but it hasn’t ruined the mood for of the BFI and other India sports officials who have been present nor for the FIBA technical staff. One of which has been singing Kareoki for the entire arena during breaks. I can’t make this stuff up!
Interview with the one of coaches:
I arrived this morning in Delhi for some business development meetings and preping for camp at the American Embassy School on October 2-4. . . should be a good one! I am staying at the TAJ Hotel Mansingh, which has to be one of the best hotels in all of India – – The pool is alone is worth the stay!
Lastly, good news is that my partners, George Mason University, Craig Esherick (Former Gtwn Head Coach and 1988 assistant Olympic coach) and professor and former D2 coahc Robert Baker have been awarded Sports Initiative grant by the US Department of State. This eighteen month program will allow for us to foster cultural exchange through sport by conducting in country clincis for coaches- and selecting ten coaches to visit George Mason and undergoing a summer semester of coaching classes. We are hoping to start our program in November.
to read more about india and worldwide please visit us at:
www.jdbasketball.com
www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india
@jdbasketball (twitter)
jd walsh speaks @the 2009 world bank y2y global youth conference
October 21, 2009
jdBASKETBALL in Bombay for biggest Diwali Party with Salaam Bombay
October 7, 2009
INDIA BASKETBALL FALL TOUR 2 jdBASKETBALL 14th trips a charm
October 4, 2009
14th trips a charm
Guess who’s back?
14th trip in 3 1/2 years…. I just love this place!
Namaste!
First off thank you for all the emails and calls and best wishes!
Back on the India basketball road again, excited to announce the India fall tour Part 2.
Fresh off speaking at @Y2Y conference at the World Bank,
Some hi-lites:
Photos:http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=159901909341&ref=mf
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbqJhEOzOvI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFYZAnBdQ6s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hIk60MaaGk
Unfortunately because of logistical issues for the first time in three years, I will miss the Savio cup at Don Bosco – I send best wishes to all the organizers and participants especially MV and Father Crispini!
I am enroute Bangalore now and heading tomorrow to Mysore for the start of TEDIndia. . .
This promises to be a great conference with amazing speakers:
http://conferences.ted.com/TEDIndia/
Of course my trip would not be complete without some basketball!
From the 8th to 11th, I am headed to NewDelhi (Delhi YMCA) for a basketball clinic with s Craig Esherick (Former Head Coach at Georgetown University, and Bob Bake from George Mason University) as part of US Department of State program! Our tour continues November 12- 14th in Kolkata with the West Bengal Basketball Association. We will be training coaches and players on some innovated basketball techniques!
For all my Mumbaikar buddies, I am stationed in Bombay, only November 15th till end of the month…
If you have any ideas, suggestions about basketball in India, please email me jd@jdbasketball.com
Keep a lookout for new videos. . .hope to see you all!
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Every end, start a new…. 2009 Fall jdBASKETBALL INDIA Tour!
Every end, start a new….
2009 Fall JDBASKETBALL INDIA Tour!
again another incredible india update. . . .
another tour, another daily book of stories and incredible india happenings!
there is some divinity behind the mission, which is in the forefront sometimes,
my creativity and love of india basketball or something greater?
although there were many happenings, a few things that will stay in my mind forever:
the FIBA Asia Women’s championships, congratulations China basketball!
(some of those women we coached against in 2002 with SAIS)
the kindness of Stephan David, SDAT in Chennai and Tamil Nadu — of which I already blogged. . .
the coolest uniforms in all of tamil nadu:
he famous cab driver videos. actually the fact that his English is better than my Hindi is something i am working hard to change!
The warm welcome and speaking engagement with Extentia – Abhinav
and the kindness of the folks at Persistence Software
Dr. Srikanth and Anaand Deshponde.
Looking for land in the jungle for a basketball court in undisclosed locations…
an amazing story, by a passionate indian hoops lover – Karan Madhok
i did not realize our chat was an interview for an article in Slam Mag:
http://www.slamonline.com/online/other-ballers/international/2009/10/breaking-old-habits/
Handing out awards at the Delhi College campionship and the New Delhi YMCA, a special thank you to Rajeev Singh.
Ramesh and crew taking me to my first Dusshera- and the sheer mass amount of people.
If you like to see all the Dushera photos and vids – take a go: www.facebook.com/jdwalsh
My three vists to Mr. Jockin in Dhavari Slums:
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1233152981346&ref=mf
Trying to find a way to get these kids more recreation to promote healthy lifestyles..
Tennis lesson with Indian great Jasit Singh at Delhi Gymkhana, one of the most giving people I ever met.
Dinner with Satish Jha from OLPC.org
The Puja ceramony that I was allowed to tag- a-long too and some of the real indians i was able to interview:
Success of the programs in New Delhi and Mumbai, all the coaches who made the programs great: Barry, Brent, Poonam, Mohit, AB, Prashant, Madhu, Monica, and Tug
Lunch with the king of India Basketball and most passionite fan of basketball in India, Harish Sirma, the president BFI
The countless drivers, especially Maxwell from AES in New Delhi!
My friends and tailors at Michelle Boutique (Colaba) ! Great job !
The kindness of Dharmendra (JC Biguine Salon) and Digvijay at @Taj Mansingh,
Apoorv and Ajinka – @Hotel Royalty and last – but not least Ilan – @Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and Coach Prashant in Pune
The Taj Hotel, standing in all her glory! My favorite hotel in the world.
Dinner at the Lodi gardens, coffee at cafe Indigo, Hard Rock Cafe – Pune
The Italian play @humanity center and Puja afterwards….
Most of all:
All the the kids I met who love India basketball! Heres a few . . .
And of course, all the love shown to me by the children and Salaam Bombay team at ‘The Biggest Diwali Party’ in Mumbai. I will never forget being part of the volunteers handing out 1500 diwali gifts. . . Thank you Padmini and Seema for including me…
THANK YOU INDIA for allowing me to make everyday in your beautiful country extraordinary.
I am back in the NYC now for about two weeks to speak at @Y2Y Conference @WorldBank but returning to the subcontinent, my second home on Nov 2 to attend @TEDIndia Conference in Mysore.
http://conferences.ted.com/TEDIndia/
Of note, post TED, I am doing two more basketball clinics as part of US Department of State Sports Initiative Grant w/ Coach Craig Esherick (Former Georgetown U, Head Coach, US Olympic team Assistant) and Robert Baker (George Mason U)
We will be conducting clinics in two cities:
November 9-11 (New Delhi) w/ New Delhi YMCA
November 12-14 (Calcutta) w/ West Bengal Basketball Association
I am really excited to give back to India basketball part of our mission is in working with the Basketball Federation of India to select 10 coaches to bring to George Mason Universtiy for training in the summer of 2010, they will impliment and sustain a distance learning program
Please keep in touch, love to hear from you all!
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www.jdbasketball.com / www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india
@jdbasketball (twitter)
jdBASKETBALL + George Mason win US Department of State Sports Initiative Grant!
October 1, 2009
12 most asked questions asked since I have arrived in India
September 20, 2009
12 most asked questions asked since I have arrived in India
1- You are a basketball coach, in India?
2- Do you play cricket? (what’s you’re favorite IPL team? )
3- What is your height?
4- To which country do you belong, sir?
5- Do you know my family member so-so Patel, Singh, Gupta living in Florida, Chicago or Arizona, etc?
6- Have you found place to set up academy yet?
7- Who is the best player in India?
8- Are you married?
9- Do you live with your parents?
10- Do you like Indian food? Spicy?
11- Whats your good name, sir?
12- Wait, again. your a basketball coach, in India….. what are you really doing here?
—
and the journey goes on ….excited to heading next to Chennai for Sport Development Authority of Tamil Nadu for two day’s clinic
next to FIBA Asia Women’s championship September 21- 22.
follow me @jdbasketball (twitter)
5 ways India basketball can improve to become competitive at the world standard
August 20, 2009
As I watched the FIBA Asia championships, I began to think how India could improve.
Here are my top 5:
1) Build better infrastructure.
Hi level international basketball is an indoor game played on wooden floors. Considering that half the year is too hot or monsoon season- proper training facilities are critical for game development. Most universities have courts or ‘rings’ as they call it — but at the same time, I see dirt playing surfaces and folks playing cricket on them. In addition, I have had many conversations with players who have knee injuries as a result of playing on poor surfaces. Basketball Federation of India and the state Associations have done a good job organinizing the events, but even the National Jr. championships was held outdoors. I am hoping the 2010 Commonwealth Games will bring more contemporary grounds.
2) More corporate and Government financing
As one of the state basketball general secretarys put it, ’Basketball in India is a hobby, not a business – or a career for that matter’. It is a very simple formula, when large multinationals elect to invest in grassroots marketing efforts the game will have more exposure and it will improve. I know of at least 5 top event organizers who can not get real cash sponsorship for tournmants, 3 on 3’s etc. I think eventually it will come, but not now its tough. And, it shouldn’t be just the western companies ala Nike, Adidas and McDonald’s - India needs TATA/ TAJ, Reliance, ICICI bank!
3) Incentive
A professional league and universtiy scholarship would go a long way in game development. Most 16 year olds and thier parents (which the kids actually respect and still listen to) are concernd about college entrance exams- and rightfully so , with a competitive poulation and millions upon missions of smart/ hardworking students there is a ton or competion. Other than playing for the State, Indian Railways, Satte bank (or if you’re really good represent the country on the National team ), you can go to school and become a coach- but it is not a high paying job or a career in anyway. Every year I see a press release to start a pro league but to date nothing has happened. The NBA has been talking about starting a real professional league– clearly, this would help alot!
4) More International hi-level training for youth 12 and under
I can see differences in just a weeks time in the programs I have run in places like Tamil Nadu, Punnjab Bangalore and Mumbai. I can also see the need for more and more advanced training sessions. The issue again is, who will pay for it? I have seen some good Indian coaches, who, for sure have been to UK or US and studied basketball. They watch the videos online, and can run the drills- but I feel many of the times, they do not know the purpose of the drill, or how it fits into an offensive or defensive scheme. The coaches are smart, excited and willing to learn- but they need more support and exposure!
India needs to start training the youth players- ages 12 under. Sorry to say, but the rest of Asia (and the world) are too advanced at the Jr’s level for the current hooper to compete at top levels internationally. I can also see focusing on the women’s game, as they seem to be a bit more advanced at this stage and can bring positive enthusiasm.
India basketball is played, coached, and managed by real enthusiasts who are involved for a true ‘love of the game’ which is a gem and purity. As the game evolves, I hope that never changes.
5) Be patient!
India is not China! Just because it is a BRIC doesn’t mean it acts like its teamates. I have traveled to each of these emerging market countrys and business and culture as is basketball are very different in each. Basketball has a ways to go — not to harp, but we just lost China 121- 49, India needs to start with the youth under 12 and begin to develop skills and watch them grow. India does have a rich basketball history, a good basketball governing body, and despite what people think — tall people who play the game.
please visit us at www.jdbasketball.com
www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india
@jdbasketball (twitter/ tumblr)
I am an American basketball coach. For the past decade, I have been using my program, jdBASKETBALL (www.jdbasketball.com) to bring people together and promote world peace thru sport. In 2001, I co-founded a company to operate grassroots basketball events throughout China. I first visited India three years ago – and fell in love with the people, the culture , and of course — the food. In that time, I have conducted almost 100 clinics in 12 cities throughout the subcontinent and have gotten to know many of the people in the game and a lot of the ins & outs.
Quintessential Qatar
November 29, 2008
jdbasketball in Qatar
Quintessential Qatar
A -salaam -aleikom!
My latest basketball adventure finds me in Persian Gulf bordering Saudi Arabia to the tip of Arabian Peninsula in Doha, Qatar. Pronounced like “cutter”, Qatar is a sheikhdom and an OPEC nation that boasts of the world’s largest natural gas reserves. Some of the best US colleges and Universities ala Georgetown, Texas A&M, Cornell and soon; I was told Harvard Law have campuses here. I was an invited guest of the Qatar Basketball Federation/ Olympic Committee and the US State Department.
My lasting memories of Doha will most certainly be the colors: The Green, Gold, Red, Lt. Blue and Grey basketball jerseys of the 100 or so (8 teams) participants at Al Garafah Stadium; The beautiful maroon of the prominently displayed Qatar National flag; the Bluest of skies–seemingly only found in the desert. The Red/Black/White of TGI Fridays/ The Green of Starbucks/ and Red/ Gold of McDonalds (that somehow comfort and annoy at the same time). And; of course, the men dressed in the white and red Ghutra wrapped with a black coil called an Ogaal and decked in long white robes called Bisht. And of course, The women (though not all), dressed in traditional all-black Darra’h (dress), called the Abaya complete the head-toe covering in a Sheila (hijab) vaiel. I will also remember the professional atmosphere and kindness of everyone at the Qatar Basketball Federation and the impressive skyscraper that functions as the Olympic Center head quarters— and yes; Qatar is bidding for 2012 Olympics!
How’s this for ‘Dialogue for mankind’, basketballs were shot and dribbled in four locations in 8 days and in 5 languages, Arabic, Hindi, Mahrati, Mandarin and English (with translation help of course!). The youth, excited to learn arrived early and were in full force. Hyper excited throughout the morning drills session, started asking early on, “When can we play games?” A common global theme! The assistant coaches were great, although some of the drills were new, instructed with passion. I taught them ‘knockout’ – I think Doha hoops will never be the same. I was lucky as Will Burgess, strength coach for the National Team, and native of New Orleanean and Arena Football Player stretched out the kids and was a great resource. Basketball in perspective, prayer break mid clinic was arranged in a private room off the court on Friday afternoon.
Working for diplomacy in this region these days is not easy; but the American Consulate Cultural Attache Steven Korchuba manages with ease. This native Pennsylvanian speaks fluent Arabic and knows the lay of the land. He and his partner Mr. Mohamed Ahmed arranged successful clinics at MES Indian School, Hamad bin Abdalla bin Jassim Preparatory Independent School, and the Omar bin Khattab Preparatory Independent School. School officials made us feel right at home! The most inspiring group was the young ladies from the Indian School of Doha, they stayed at school from 6am and had to work straight thru to play with us at 4:30. They came in full Saris and big smiles and killer set shots.
It is tough to comment if I witnessed the next NBA superstar on this trip. What I did see is a culture that from the periphery appears so foreign was in actuality quite similar. As a human race from West to East English to Arabic we really resonate similar global fears and concerns. We all pray for peace, and look for mutual respect, understanding and the safety of generations to come. Hopefully that if we can play together, we can live together.
A special thank you to everyone at the Qatar Basketball Federation especially President FIBA Asia Shk. Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani, Asst. General Secretary Rasheed S. Al-Abdulla, Tech. Expert Dr. Moustafa M. Diab, Rasheen and everyone at the American Consulate and Profesor Amir for making me feel so welcome and at home.
Michael Owen on jdBASKETBALL in Mumbai
June 8, 2008
JD Walsh and jdBASKETBALL receive special mention in Senate hearings as example of Soft Power Diplomacy
April 24, 2008
SEN. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR. HOLDS A HEARING ON NATIONAL SECURITY REFORM.
(Broadcast transcript)(Company overview) Publication: Political/Congressional Transcript Wire
Publication Date: 24-APR-08
ARMITAGE: In addition to that, Mr. Chairman, the background of how we had this commission.
In the wake of 9/11, it was our view that we were twice victimized. We were victimized by terrorists and then we victimized ourself.
We started exporting our fear and our anger rather than our hope and our optimism. We starting tying our own hands up. And we felt, Joe and I, Dr. Hamre, CSIS, that it was about time to, sort of, relook this and see if we couldn’t un-victimize ourselves.
A Democrat and a Republican, joined by Senator Hagel, Senator Reed of Rhode Island, Betty McCollum and Mac Thornberry, wanted to make a very graphic point. Not only did we recognize that we needed to do something differently, but we could do this in a bipartisan way and a bipartisan spirit.
And every one of us was motivated, I think, by the following thought: that is that we have dedicated our lives to prolonging and preserving our preeminence as a nation as a force for good as long as humanly possible.
We also, I think, all recognized that we have the premier military in the world, and they fight and win the nation’s battles. And they’re ideally suited to fight an enemy on the battlefield. They’re not ideally suited to fight ideas or climate change or guarantee energy security, et cetera.
ARMITAGE: We’re often asked by members of Congress, “At the end of the day, aren’t you going to be talking about more appropriations, more money for foreign aid? That’s so unpopular.”
Our view is this is not foreign aid, this is not charity, this is a cold calculation of our national security. And that’s the way it ought to be put forward by witnesses today, and, I would argue, by members of the U.S. Congress.
We take the view that the world wants an indispensable nation, and we’re that indispensable nation. But we can only occupy that space when our national values and our words and our actions are in line. We can’t stand against torture and then waterboard. You can’t do it. We can’t be an indispensable nation that way.
We do take the — we want to be, without being too maudlin about it, that shining city on the Hill that Mr. Reagan used to talk about. That should be the image of this country, not the image of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay. That’s, kind of, where we started on this endeavor.
We took a look, Mr. Chairman, at public diplomacy. And I think there’s a real misunderstanding about public diplomacy.
It seems in some quarters that there’s a feeling that public diplomacy is just a matter of speaking more loudly, getting people to understand it. So that’s not the problem. There’s not a person in this world that doesn’t understand exactly where the United States is coming from. The question they have is whether we understand them. And I think that’s a good place to begin in public diplomacy.
Now, as I’ve indicated, Dr. Nye is going to talk about the specific big ideas we had. The problem with big ideas, as I’m sure our friends Jim Locher and Gordon Adams will tell you, this may take a long time to bring to fruition, and it’s frustrating. Military actions you can see almost by the minute. These are, by definition, long-term projects. So it’s hard to be gratified.
But I’m going to give you a couple of short-term issues, if you want to feel gratification, that can help on the way to a longer-term solution.
You know the most effective public diplomacy I’ve seen? It’s been basketball. We sent Georgetown graduates around the world, 46 different countries. They never had to talk about Arab-Israeli peace. They didn’t have to talk about anything except growing up black in America and how to balance college sports with college academics. And it was front-page news all around the country, all around the world.
There’s a J.D. Walsh right now in basketball, he’s a Maryland graduate, he’s in India doing this same thing, but he’s expanded on the idea. He’s using it to also, as they teach basketball, to have HIV/AIDS testing, to teach courses in nonviolent conflict resolution. He’s not talking about Arab-Israeli peace issues, or Al Qaida, for that matter, but he’s having more effect in diplomacy than you can imagine.
To see in full: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-34366384_ITM
Sulhita Suprise! non-conflict violent resolution jdbasketball back in israel
January 26, 2008
Sulhita Surprise!
“What’s an Irish Catholic basketball coach from New York doing here? I was asked by local basketball reporter in Tel Aviv late November as we drove North to the 2nd Sulhita in Incense Route Khan near Eilat, Israel. “ You mean, again – right, man? For the best hummus in all of Israel, “, “Ok, Seriously. “, the retort. “There is something in depth and soulful about this place for me. Inshalla (Arabic phrase meaning ‘God Willing’) I want to make a difference,”– I answered in beat. I think I’m learning something from all these travels. The latest tour was 9 cities in 43 days and it covered as many lands as languages and faiths.
On my first Israel visit in 2003, while walking around the neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, I heard a local apple cart produce sales lady holding a Condoleezza Rice newspaper cover screaming; “Down with A- mer- e- ka!” Frozen by shock- but not fear, I looked over in her eyes and toothless scowl. I did not smile; I did not engage. I sensed real helplessness and rage in her non-and verbal tone. It was it this moment; I began to wonder what makes her think this way? Interestingly enough, this is the third time Condoleezza and I have been in the same region at the same time – - I think she’s following me. J. As an American, it has been good to know we have some sort of continual regional strategy and dialogue.
Rabbi Sa’ar the new SULHA director met us. Team JDBASKTBALL included; Roy Mizlik (Rishon/ basketball coach and former IDF soldier:
Itamar Reik, (Macabbi Jr. player), and new to the peace hoop scene, KG (Tel Aviv) straight away off the minivan. In attendance were the usual players including; Ihab and Gaby. I had met the self described Sulha co-founder, hippie Argentine- NY- Israeli –Jewish- musician Gaby on the beach in Bet Yanai a year earlier. And ever since, JDBASKETBALL has become a staple in the yearly event that he (and his best friend) from Joffa, Arab-Muslim- hippie-musician, Ihab created 3 years ago. Since then, over 5000 people from all faiths, and nationalities partake in the three day understanding/ bereavement (part Woodstockesh) multicultural workshop session in the Israeli desert for peace. Additionally, Sulha conducts the Sulhita (mini-Sulha) for 100 (50 Palestine and 50 Israeli) teenaged youth twice a year.
Sulhita Surprise! I think that I get more out of Sulha workshops than the full participants. Soho, Balthazar, Setta Penne, and Harlem felt so distant as introductions were made to the kids. Hugs abundant as we proceeded to sit and partake in the circles of life and absorb the scene and dialogue. Basketball has taken me to the inner and outer reaches of humanity. I thought I’d heard all the stories from the streets of Brooklyn, Kosovo to Joffa and beyond—but never have I been so taken back as when I heard direct from the source. Listening to first hand stories from streets of Gaza and Ramallah and how friends and friends of cousins were being recruited to suicide bomb and the destruction of family homes by missiles is chilling. I heard violent stories from across the border as well. Almost braggart, after all kids will be kids—it was in these moments I saw fresh eyes of both cultures; looks and sensibilities of fear, confusion, terror, compassion and understanding and sentiment. Like, “We are young, we have to live with this, how can we do it—together – respectfully, peacefully? Let’s make a change.“
Sulhita Surprise—Inspiration comes from the strangest of places. A rock/ a pebble in the lake causes a friction— yet it becomes so clear in the desert darkness—things that happen here affect us back home and the liberties we take for safe and peaceful lives.
jdBASKETBALL is a simple operation, we just hoop. Up and down the makeshift court integrating teams, playing games as we go into the cold desert night. I asked for basketballs –we got soccer balls—then volleyballs — then basketballs. Shooting, Dribbling, Roy teaching, Itimar playing, coaches vs. kids. Setting up team leaders. KG running and taking pictures. Competing together in a protective environment having fun. Like a Banksy mural in on the Palestine wall, we left an impression, a talk-piece to start the weekend and break the ice. Concluding with a Mediterranean feast of vegetables, lamb, humus and mint tea. We left with optimism, and hope thinking, “If they can just play together. . . “, naïve and frieghtingly optimistic. But again, in that moment—the feeling was so real, so apparent, I remember thinking — does it really matter?
Sulhita Surprised me and reminded me, that we all have checkpoints to manage. Maybe these youth can be a catalyst for change? Maybe they can strand these moments upon moments and realize a little endearing can go a long way at their checkpoints.
Inshalla the world would be better for it!
To donate to the SULHA or SULHITA, please visit www.sulha.com.
Please stay tuned as JDBASKETBALL heads back to Bangalore India, February 5- 12, 2008.
For World Peace,
JD Walsh
‘Dialogue for mankind’
@jdbasketball
India Basketball, the beginning…. JDBASKETBALL the beginning . . .
January 4, 2008
Well, I might as well start in the beginning. After traveling to and fro China for many years bouncing the orange ball and trying to master a language with no letters and contracts are negotiable, i decided to have a go at another bric – INDIA. The place where cricket is king and queen and kingdom of sports, religion and politics are abundant, and Bollywood is everything else.
In the fall of 2006, two major events happened that changed course of India basketball history and my life. At the time, I had been looking to expand my global roving basketball school into India and was approached by the board of Chinar.org, an orphanage in Srinagar, Kashmir to arrange a program. They invited me to visit and develop a three social program to aid in the psycho-rehabilitation of the at-risk orphan youth. Many of these kids had lost parents to the earthquake and conflict. It was from this place that ‘Hoops for Health’ was born. As divinity would have it, simultaneously, a young man wrote me an email note expressing his dream to become the first Indian basketball player in the NBA and asking if I would be willing to come visit his hometown (Pune) to show him, and his club (Deccan Gymkhana) a thing or two. Always up for a hoops adventure, and knowing it was on the way to Kashmir (sort of) — I agreed.
Little did I know until stepping off the hot and humid tarmac in Mumbai that early May, 2007 morning that 200 participants from around the country would be waiting for the training that was sponsored and promised by the Mahrastra State Basketball Association. In a half daze, I was garlanded as I cracked coconuts to bless the court and start what’s been written in local papers as ‘a new age’ in India basketball. Despite the courts still being painted upon arrival, the training sessions went very well. I was told that this was the 1st American basketball camp to ever come to India. Maybe its true, maybe urban Indian legend; regardless, it became the first of many. . .
Somewhere during the course of the past three years — between the masala dosa’s, the heat, the colors, the questions: the “um, dude WHAT are you doing here again? Basketball, why in India? cricket yes, basketball, no”, and my favorite – - the hourly “um may I ask, sir -how tall are you, sir’s?’ the humanity (and sometimes lack of), the hospital visits, the power on/off , off/ on and the chapati, I fell in love –with INDIA. Like Om Shanti I believe it was fate that decided to make my life’s mission to grow the game here.
As word spread quickly of myindiahoopslove disease and ability to work in region, I kept getting invites and coming back and staying longer and longer. 13 trips and twenty-five months later, JDBASKETBALL (which is now, me + my new Indian homeboys/ coaches = team JDBASKETBALL) has operated throughout ten cities and villages throughout the subcontinent. Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Kerala, Bangalore, Midnapore, Patiala, Delhi, and Srinagar.
To date over 5,000 youth directly benefited from my program and I have been keeping a keep eye out on keen talent and we are soon to announce our home base and training center, but more on all that later . . .
In India, I have run basketball camps in 110-degree heat in Midnapore and during monsoons in Mumbai. I’ve seen the top talent in India — and taught future national team coaches at prestigious Sports Authority of India’s NSNIS the finer points of the game. I have been to South India, and used the game as a means to teach English to young Muslim women with no shoes and in full dupatta. I have found myself teaching dribbling and shooting techniques at all types of schools, YMCA’s, street corners, cricket fields, indoor facilities, outdoor playgrounds and even one place that had hosted a dunking elephant! Basically, when it comes to India basketball, I think I have seen it all.
I have enjoyed learning about life while training and watching all types of players crossing hundreds of cross sections of religions/dialects/ food choices /colors and holidays (most of which I am still unsure what they were, but I sure had a lot of fun celebrating). Experiencing what is meant by ‘Guest is God in India’, I am now thankfully, the ‘big gora who’s back again’ and treated more and more like a local.
Studying her rich history from the Moghuls, the English and the railways, to Gandhi to partition, to now — modern day India. I am completely enthralled with such an amazing civilization, and how it has evolved- where it’s going – and what role, if any will basketball plays in shaping the next generation.
My time promoting world peace and diplomacy through sport with the US Consulates in North, South, West, and East Indian regions has been some of the most gratifying days I have ever spent. It has carried even deeper meaning as I rode past the military occupation in Kashmir and from being in the TAJ lobby just about a day a half before the attacks.
I have stayed at amazing hotels, and some not so amazing hostels. I have seen incredible gardens and exquisite temples and monuments, I had only dreamed and read about and I sadly some makeshift tents for the homeless on the street.. I have survived stares after telling the Chennai women’s TNBA basketball team that gallons of chai and fistful of biscuits during game time-outs was not good advisable, and tasted the sweetest of lassie and goats milk. I enjoyed 6 days in a Delhi hospital where I lost 20 pounds (and almost an appendix unnecessarily) and I’ve hit my head requiring 7 stitches while scouting out potential courts with Mr. Jockin (a Ramon Award Winner- like Nobel Prize) where six million people live (basically, where they filmed slumdog) in the Dhvari slums in Bombay.
I have been around like ten million people and could not breathe or move, and I have been myself and seen no one but empty fields and rice paddys. I’ve been robbed in my sleep, and given heartfelt gifts from strangers that you cannot imagine. I have gotten my yoga on, climbed the Himalayas on a little horse and gone weeks without finding a treadmill or place to run in site. I’ve seen the hi tech parks, farm houses, heli pads and Mercedes of the super rich, and sadly, the impoverished living on the streets begging for food.
I’ve said out loud, I hate India, I love India over 20 times a day on multiple occasions and I’ve argued with cab drivers and Ricks pretty much everyday. I’ve been to wedding after weddings during wedding season, and been present when kin to new family ‘expired’. Only in India could I have run past monkeys to a conduct a basketball clinic.
I’ve seen big people, short people, skinny people, fat people, smiling people, dark people, lite people, old people, young people, cricket playing people, field hockey and football playing people, people dressed in Indian clothes, people dressed in western clothes– and everyone in between. In country, I’ve meet people from all over the world, and even bumped into a guy playing basketball from the town I used to run my camps in Long Island. I’ve heard Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Hinglish, Bengalish, Tamilish, Marati, Marati-ish, English and a whole lot more.
I’ve got video and pictures on pictures on pictures.
Over the past three years some of the hi-lites include; winning an ASHOKA NIKE Changemaker grant for three-year ongoing project in Kashmir, a special award of distinction from Pune Municipal Corporation (Mayor’s office), by party Mayor and (now former) ‘Leader of the Opposition’, Vikas Mathkari, and a long term tie-up and tri-yearly trip to Jain International School of Sporting Excellence in Bangalore. In 2008, I was on hand as a special guest in Chennai with US Consulate General Mr. David Hopper to garland a statue of Mr. Harry Buck at oldest YMCA in India, and humbled by some really kind words given by Mr. Michael Owen — the head of India for Department of State at our program in slums of Nagpada. I received the famous ‘shake and pound up all the players before the game starts’ at the Fr. Crispini special, at Don Bosco – at the Savio Cup 3 years straight and been fortunate enough to learn about the past and future of India basketball thru conversations with top brass, the head of basketball in India, Mr. Harish Shirma. I feel lucky to have coached some really cool multi-cultural youth at the famous Delhi Public Schools, ASB, Sanskriti, and AES. Throughout this quest, I have received gifts such as flowers, Titan watches, samosas, a painting of Jesus, more flowers, institutional statues, and a holographic trophy for doing a coaches clinic at the National Championships, but most importantly lasting friendships and a life education I could never find in a classroom.
To date, I have conducted clinics for eight State Basketball Associations while conducting tons coaches clinics in Kolkata’s West Bengal Basketball, Pune’s Fergusson College (Pune), Tamil Nadu Basketball Association and for the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, and enjoyed in-depth talks on defense in Bangalore’s stadium with the Indian National Team Head Coach, Alexsander Bucan and Olympic official Mr. Govinraj. Some of these clinics have been used for coaches’ certification purposes for State Associations.
This past May, (2009), I ran programs in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Punjab; my last clinic in being held in Mumbai for Basketball Federation of India’s National Jr. Championships (Nagpada, Mumbai) for over 700 in attendance.
Now the NBA is promoting the game in India!
Time magazine says that India is 40 years behind China, in basketball and every way else — and in a lot of ways, from spending a lot of time in both — maybe there right. Regardless, while people tell me everyday that basketball can’t grow in India, it’s a challenge, I love to take on. And everyday I can’t wait go back at it again. . .
Stay tuned, this will be the first of many a blog I will be writing on India basketball.
india basketball by: jdbasketball ‘dialogue for mankind’
For World Peace jdBASKETBALL @Sulha, Israel
October 25, 2007
Sulha Israel (Non-conflict violent resolution)
Sulha Israel jdBASKETBALL
I never thought I would be conducting a basketball clinic in the middle of desert – - then again growing up in NY, I could have imagined addressing 80 Palestinian and Israeli youth and Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders in a Bedouin tent 100 kilometers outside of Eilat (Israel).
The underlining message at the Sulhita youth gathering in February was a simple, divine- yet profound. The Sulha Peace Project (www.sulha.com) is a grassroots organization dedicated to the healing and reconciliation of the children of Abraham through developing of co-existence between Arabs and Jews, Israelis and Palestinians.
Many of the youth from Gaza had never met an Israeli before, and vice versa. I had met the founders a week earlier in the Arabic section in the old port city of Joffa, and planned our section of the event.
I knew this session of JDBASKETBALL would be special when leaving the tent, I came to learn that many of the youth had to make a 3 kilometer trek down a hill (passing 2 camels), around and up a hill to the court located on a nearby kibbutz no small feat. The ever-resilient kids mobilized with enthusiasm, singing songs and laughing; although I noticed many of them sticking to their own.
Myself and coaches Roy Mizlik (Coach, Rishon LeZion) and Itamar Reik (Player, Natanya Jr. Team) carried the basketballs and equipment as a 2nd year Israeli army lieutenant carried his machine gun next to us.
The desert backdrop and full moon provided the perfect setting for the initial ball handling and shooting drills. Once the balls started bouncing, I felt like we could be at West 4th; or anywhere for that matter. It was amazing to see the various colors and different variations of the dress contrasting the peace gathering youth, peer counselors and adults. Dually exciting, as many of the kids had never played basketball before and were very eager to learn. After a long skills session, he clinic climaxed when separating the youth and coaches into integrated teams for a friendly full court match.
Running up and down, sharing the ball- sharing themselves.
Smiles and hi-fives were abundant! The game transformed from a bouncing orange sphere into a mechanism for communication and connection. Some of the youth chose not to play instead setting up cheering sections and cheering loudly after every basket. There was no score kept and no winners and losers, just a bunch of kids in the desert playing together, having fun and shooting baskets.
It was the most profound basketball experience I have ever had.
The new language of peace requires a creative solution, said Gabriel Meyer co- founder of Sulha, Sports and Arts can surprise reality and make change. JDBASKETBALL came in and relieved tension and assisted in creating bonds between Palestine and Israeli teens after hours of intense discussion, emotion, and bereavement. JDBASKETBALL coaches really broke the ice, and furthered our peace gathering.
Although it would be naive for us to think we made a major difference in the struggle for peace, co-existence and understanding in the Middle East. But – -for that short time, in our small court on top of a big desert mountain amidst major conflict, life was fun, issues were put aside and peace was upon us.
For World Peace,
JD Walsh
JDBASKETBALL works with US State Department in Mumbai, August 2007
August 30, 2007
- US Department of State program JD Walsh teaching defense at Don Bosco School in Bombay
JDBASKETBALL works with US State Department in Mumbai, Doha and Chennai
AB the organizer scheduled my driver an hour early for each visit to Don Bosco School in Mumbai– formerly known as Bombay. At first I wasn’t quite sure why – the venue was only a few kilometers away but I soon found out. We think NYC traffic is bad and curse Robert Moses- Bombay is a symphony of vehicular meandering! The Economist recently did an article on how difficult it is to car around through the finance capital of India- they suggested correctly to take a helicopter! And not just cars- wall-to wall people and occasionally cows, goats, graced our path from north, south, east and west. One morning I even saw a guy leading a camel. Routinely, I would see men and women carry large boxes—on their heads. But the system works. But I kept wondering, all these people, where do they go, what do they do? The colors, the soulfulness, the traditions, the food, the music, the organized chaos— Incredible India indeed!
I was honored as invited the American Center in Mumbai (aka The US State Department) to conduct a cultural integrating event (i.e basketball camp) at Don Bosco School in for the youth and coaches in Dadar, Mumbai.
I really enjoy traveling the world and meeting people, especially the reporters as I never know what they will ask. In Taiwan I was asked what do I recommend to eat before a game– sushi, burgers or street food from the night market? umm sushi, but not sure?? Its crazy, but I love it! At the pre-camp press conference, I was prepared to answer the regular questions pertaining to India Basketball. But instead my cell phone rang and the ring tone set to a Hindi beat tracked from the film ‘Rang De Basanti’ went aloud. From then on, I was asked only about my teaching methods and how basketball relates to dance. I was asked if I saw the recent Bollywood hit Chak De!, The flick is a bit monumental in India as it is a story a group of girls field hockey players. (Unfortunately, not- I am waiting for the English subtitles.) I have long theorized that basketball is an art form, a dance where direct special relationship exists between the ball the body movements and the lines on the court. With repeated practice and movements, you can actually train the body to move better or dance on the court. Magic Johnson used to say he heard music when he played who would argue with that Basketball Baryshnikov?
I felt right at home as Father Crispini introduced me to the group. He is a real hero figure in this community, controlling a school for over 1000 kids and housing over 100 orphans. About 200 kids and coaches awaited me for the weekend clinic started off without barely a hitch. After a short introduction ceremony, I eased into some defensive slides and a warm- up, the group needed little motivation as they excited enough. I explained that basketball is a dance, and told them they would all become Bollywood dancers if they didn’t make the NBA.
Feeding on the kids energy, I taught them some new concepts (for them), such as Triple Threat position, and movement off ball and off side screening. We utilized the 3 courts and 9 baskets- the Indians sure are great at maximizing space! At school recess (yes- they have school on Saturday), we escaped the mob of 800 boys by recirculation upstairs to the media room to watch a video of US Elite All Stars vs. the China National Jr. team. It was an old DVD, but it was all I had on short notice- but the kids loved it. Cheering for Daryl ‘Showtime’ Hill (St. Johns U) at every Shake and Bake. Their eyes were glued studying every move, proving again- everyone around the world loves a good hoops show.
On Sunday, it began to rain, so we went in a court that had an overhang. Such an incredible site it was to see all the players and coaches working together on a screening drill in such a small space. Delicious chai was provided during intermittent timeouts. I could only wish the Starbucks in Soho could make it like this! I arrived early in morning to see the coaches playing Fr. Crispini hit 4 shots in a row- how is that for divine intervention!
The end of each day was hi-lighted by 1 on 1 and 3 on 3 play, utilizing the early skills we practiced. Had we more– time 5 on 5. Next time!
The reality is that now in India cricket is king, the queen, and owns the court in India, but I get the feeling that someday soon things might change.
The clinic was a huge success, and I was invited to come back in November and March. I can’t wait as Incredible India is quickly becoming a second home.
Special thanks to Lynn Gadkowski, Ajmal Palakal and everyone from American Center in Mumbai, and MV Venkatesh, delegates from AB from Don Bosco, and Fr. Crispino and coaches from Don Bosco. Maharastra State Basketball Association, and all the coaches and players.
TAIPEI 101 jdBASKETBALL in TIAWAN
July 25, 2007
TAIPEI 101 JD BASKETBALL in TIAWAN
In case you’re wondering, Taipei 101 is not a JDBASKETBALL class on thoughts concerning offense and defensive philosophies in Asian basketball-it’s actually for now, the world’s tallest building! In the shadows, a few kilometers away lies the Tshai Hsing School where I was invited conduct basketball camp for a couple hundred Taiwanese kids the past few weeks.
Economist Tom Friedman theorizes about the, “Globalization of the game’, and I sensed it immediately upon landing as basketball advertisements loomed throughout the airport terminal. I had some premonition from my China experiences; but this is Taiwan, and to walk along the streets and see firsthand smiling kids playing all on every free court wearing NBA jerseys I was amazed! It is not surprising that the NBA was conducting huge promotions at the local hi end shopping malls (With Donyell Marshall, GS Warrior mascot and Knicks City Dancers!). The more I travel the more I can realize that basketball is a dialogue for mankind. Everywhere I go from Boston to Beijing or Baltimore to Bombay — it never ceases to amaze me – the language remains the same.
Tshai Hsing school is one of the most prominent schools in all of Taipei and Polarbears team can boast a winning tradition claiming recent city champs for 4 straight years. The gymnasium was newly constructed and very nice. Listening to Jay-Z hip hop music blasting; watching every kid dribble around aimlessly in break time, and hearing the constant asking to play 5 on 5 (or “Tee chair, we wan- to- play fy -on- fy bas -ket-ball) or knockout (they call it something in Chinese I can’t begin to spell phonetically), I felt like I was back home at St. Matt’s in Dix Hills or the Brearley Field House in NYC. Instead we taught the fundaments; dribbling, passing, shooting and defense. I needed very little interpretation and did my best to learn each of students Chinese and English names- but do trust with over 200 names to remember at a clip per week- not an easy task. The coaches, Roger Hsu and trusty assistant Shofwa are very good at teaching basketball. I am not surprised they secured posh Nike endorsements and coach in the Taiwan SBL professional league. Some of their players are assisting us–one is even ABC- American Born Chinese; James Mao, formerly, a Freshman walk on practice player at U Texas.
Unfortunately we were cut short usually as it rains in Taipei everyday (Island typhoon season), yes everyday. And although, we lost some kids to ping pong- (excuse me; table tennis) — and from time to time had to relinquish the main court a few times due to badminton practice – yes that badminton; basketball is the definitely considered the biggest sport here.
Taipeian kids are smart and fun, they run around playing Chinese hand games that I don’t understand (but look really cool), work on their English and drink famous Taiwan milk bubble tea. Rocking the latest Air Jordans and desiring to be Steve Nash or Allen Iverson, there is not much difference between these kids and their US, Italian, Isreali or Indian counterparts! Focusing intensely on their newly taught basketball moves, I can see that basketball is certainly in perspective, as many of the kids will take a grueling 3 -5 more hours of in class English later in the day. Unlike their American counterparts, they have only two weeks off of school the entire summer!
The ever improving participants, I’ll never forget; Jeff and Jerry King Kong (Who everyday wore King Kong #1 jerseys everyday), Yao Ming (because he is the tallest, English name Eugene- he preferred Yao!), Baby Godzilla (walks like), Glasses (Had to fix one day after he broke), Funny Girl and Stick Boy (guess why?). I thank them all for the laughs and memories that will stay with me while I go on.
I had a great experience and a special thanks to the Chang Family and especially Mr. Dominic Chang, the drivers Sho-ma and, Cheng, the Tshai Hsing School Family (especially Emma, Sue Mae, Melissa, Bianca, Seth and Rydia aka Tiger!) and all the coaches and players. Everyone was super nice and made me feel much at home!
Next stop, I am back to India as the US State Department has invited me to conduct JDBASKETBALL program as a cultural program. I am very honored and look forward to telling you guys all about it.
In Hoops and Humanity,
JD
jd@jdbasketball.com
Kashmir, India Chinar + jdBASKETBALL ‘Hoops for Health’
June 14, 2007
Months of anticipation enhanced already infectious enthusiasm as we initiated Hoops for Health on June 26th.
Our effort marks the inception of a three-year program designed to aid the pscho-rehabilitaition of war-torn orphaned youth. We begin our program at Chinar (www.chinar.org), an orphanage in Srinigar, Kashmir, India.
As I came off the plane I was struck by the breathtaking Kashmir landscape and Himalayan Mountain backdrop coupled with uniformed and armed military presence in the forefront. Our mission, which until that point had been only an idea, became very real to me.
Walking thru the orphanage to meet the children for the first time, I saw the shoes (20 pairs stacked neatly), the bunk beds, the little reading desks, and real family photos on the wall, relics of a complex past. I noticed the live-in housemothers dressed in their colorful parda caring for the children with great concern and devotion. The CHINAR kids are a special group with one touching story after another, such as the seven year-old girl whose entire family died in an earthquake after which she survived for three days, alone in the snow; the two brothers whose blind grandmother could no longer care for them, and on and on. The t-shirts and basketballs we gifted were greatly appreciated by the kids and a nice token, yet I know they deserve and need much more.
Our training ground at the Burn Hall School was located, coincidentally, just a stones throw away from United Nations India / Pakistan War relief building.
Surveying the court, we realized the basket was too high for the children to reach and that we needed a lower goal. Immediately, the ever helpful Athletic Director at Burn Hill said they would build one. Knowing that we had less than 24 hours before starting, I bet my assistant coach (and former Indian National Team Captain) JAI that it would never get done.
I had to pay up! Upon arrival the following afternoon, we were happy to see that a goal was welded on the back of the basketball pole about 6 feet high. It was perfect for the six 9 year-old Chinar kids!
We started the clinic by pointing out the various lines of the court and teaching the kids how to dribble and shoot. Excitedly they giggled, they ran, they listened, they attempted to dribble in a straight line, they tried to shoot on the too high to reach goal, they tried to kick the ball, and to run for snacks. They began to learn fundamental basketball!
Although music was discontinued out of respect for the afternoon prayer session at the neighboring mosque, we kept dribbling, laughing, playing, and learning.
We love jdbasketball! in broken Kashmiry English was the kids present to the coaches before the start of the second session. It was a touching moment, one I know I would never experience in an office in downtown Manhattan somewhere.
JAI said he noticed that they were holding their heads up, smiling more, and showing more self-confidence.
Day 2 was actually a major improvement as the kids became little more calm and focused. We were joined by some older youth from an onsite NGO. The listening improved and dribbling was better. We even began to play some competitive games.
The long journey came to an end with a spectacular trophy ceremony. It suddenly became apparent to me that on the other side of the planet David Stern was welcoming Greg Oden to the podium for the first pick in the NBA draft. For a second I began to wonder what exactly I was doing in this picture. But, by the looks on the CHINAR kids faces, in that moment I could see they all felt like lottery picks, and that, at least for today, we had brought them that feeling.
Mission accomplished, but it’s just a start!
We are now looking to raise money to hire a part-time coach to work with the kids. Ultimately we would like to see a CHINAR basketball team to play in neighborhood games. We estimate it will cost $300 (USd) per month& if anyone is interested to donate please email Fozia directly and mention that it’s for CHINAR Basketball Coach Fund atfoziaqazi@gmail.com
JD
JDBASKETBALL.com
Dialogue for mankind
Special thanks to : CHINAR Board Members, Shireen Qadri, Ifran Shahmiri and Fozia Qazi house mothers Silshada, Shahzada, Igbal, Mustifa, Sayoni from Scholastic Books (Delhi) who have offered to build a library for the house! Richard Epstein, of New York, NY for his generous donation of basketball books and videos. My sidekick Coach, Jay Menon and the Burn Hall school and staff and the CHINAR KIDS! Please remember in thoughts and prayers. Javid, Mohmad, Growhar, Tahir, Arif, Nazir, Fahir, Sajad, Muneeb, Imtiyaz, Nayeem, Mudasir, Saleem, Zubida, Norjhan, Rubeena, Ishrat, Bisma, Jabeen, Nusrat
Receiving award at Pune Municipal Corporation
May 15, 2007
Pune, the 1st stop. . .
May 4, 2007
Namaste from Pune, India! I am about 3hrs away from Mumbai (formerly known Bombay) and again, it never ceases to amaze me that people everywhere are basketball crazy!
My first day basically consisted of; adjusting to the heat, learning about the famous ‘Indian head shake’, “1000, how are you sirs?” , photographing the walkers in beautiful sarees, ‘Brad and Angelina were here gossip’ (Is there anywhere you can go in the world without that?), and avoiding small cabs driving on the wrong side of the road.
At first glance, workers were still painting the court lines at Fergusson College and in a few areas small gapping holes were present. I was told camp would be starting at 7 am to avoid the heat; rainy season is approaching, I was worried about a possible rainout.
Everyone was very nice but I began thinking this is a long way from Cole Field House as we cracked a coconut to bless the court – I was what wondering what was I getting myself into.
Then it happened, the DJ began to play incredible Hindi tracks; I formed ball handling line drills and this small outdoor playground (no different than something you might see at West 4th or Holcombe Rucker Park) transformed into a magical place. Starting with 80 players and coaches and finishing with around 200 total, basketball spirit is alive in Pune! I came to find out that many of the participants traveled by bus or train up to 20 hours (Many with no AC ) —I was determined to give my all.
Sixteen year old Sidd from Calcutta mentioned,“ I traveled over 2 days to arrive here, the trip was very boring—but the basketballs been great making it all worth it!
I was told this was the first basketball camp in India- ever!
The enthusiasm and desire is unwavering as day after day I proceeded to put the players; and, and even some coaches, to the strenuous regimen. Daily, I began to notice slight improvements; one player started dribbling better, another shoot with more precise form, one coach taking more initiative.
Eventually, we started to dance.
The coaches, determined to learn basketball and a transition offense. It took about 3 hours from chalkboard to courtside. Slow at first, but eventually the Deccan Club team and event organizers of Apoorv Sontakke, Omkar Kadam, Amit Ambedkar, Ajinkya Mehta, and Ganesh Bagade began to pick it up.
As the days went on, I became more intrigued with India and I think India with me. We received write -ups in all major Indian papers.
It did not take long to spot the anxious nature of the Indian press and fans. During our first day press conference, the first question presented was, “How long do you think it will take India to be able to compete with Team USA?” Extremely ambitious considering I was told that only 7-8 indoor courts exist in India and the average height is at least 5 inches smaller.
Although my answer was, “Not anytime soon”, I think America should watch out- I can clearly remember answering these same questions in 2002 during my first trips to China — a country that possesses demographics, ambition, and potential talent pool. As you may know, China’s rise in the basketball world in the past decade has been remarkable–already placing 3 players in the NBA, and preparing for a hi first round selection this year.
I sat very humbled as I was given the highest VIP honor and public thank you and assembly acknowledgement by the Mayor Rajlaxmi Bhosale, the Deputy Mayor, Professor Vikas Mathkari Leader of Opposition of Pune Municipal Corporation, Vivek Mehta of the Maharashtra State Basketball Association, and other esteemed guests at the municipal official courtroom.
Afterwards I was asked to sit beside the Leader of Opposition as he conducted daily city business– this is considered highest honor. I was blown away.
The interesting thing to me is that although the culture is different and many more speaking “ Maharati“ a Hindi dialect – the language remains the same.
A special thank you to city of Pune for showing so much love!
Next stop : KASMIR
I am excited to travel next week to travel to CHINAR (an orphanage in Sriniger, Kashmir).
Here we are working on a three-year program to recruit, hire and train a full time coach. Build a court and hopefully, create a team that can play games in Indian and Pakistan.
The objective is to aid in the psychosocial rehabilitation and reeducation process of the CHINAR youth who have extended an invitation for me to work with orphaned youth misaligned through conflict.
It is an immense challenge, as many of these youth have never played basketball before! And many do not speak English either, so please wish us luck. If anyone would like to contribute to the CHINAR orphanage pleas check out www.chinar.org.
It takes only $65 a month to house and educate a youth.
See you all again real soon!
JD
JDBASKETBALL.com Dialogue for mankind
Sulha Israel (Non-conflict violent resolution) For World Peace
April 1, 2007
JDBASKETBALL For World Peace
I never thought I would be conducting a basketball clinic in the middle of desert – - then again growing up in NY, I could have imagined addressing 80 Palestinian and Israeli youth and Christian, Muslim, and Jewish leaders in a Bedouin tent 100 kilometers outside of Eilat (Israel).
The underlining message at the Sulhita youth gathering in February was a simple, divine- yet profound. The Sulha Peace Project (www.sulha.com) is a grassroots organization dedicated to the healing and reconciliation of the children of Abraham through developing of co-existence between Arabs and Jews, Israelis and Palestinians.
Many of the youth from Gaza had never met an Israeli before, and vice versa. I had met the founders a week earlier in the Arabic section in the old port city of Joffa, and planned our section of the event.
I knew this session of JDBASKETBALL would be special when leaving the tent, I came to learn that many of the youth had to make a 3 kilometer trek down a hill (passing 2 camels), around and up a hill to the court located on a nearby kibbutz — no small feat. The ever-resilient kids mobilized with enthusiasm, singing songs and laughing; although I noticed many of them sticking to their own.
Myself and coaches Roy Mizlik (Coach, Rishon LeZion) and Itamar Reik (Player, Natanya Jr. Team) carried the basketballs and equipment as a 2nd year Israeli army lieutenant carried his machine gun next to us.
The desert backdrop and full moon provided the perfect setting for the initial ball handling and shooting drills. Once the balls started bouncing, I felt like we could be at West 4th; or anywhere for that matter. It was amazing to see the various colors and different variations of the dress contrasting the peace gathering youth, peer counselors and adults. Dually exciting, as many of the kids had never played basketball before and were very eager to learn. After a long skills session, he clinic climaxed when separating the youth and coaches into integrated teams for a friendly full court match.
Running up and down, sharing the ball- sharing themselves.
Smiles and hi-fives were abundant! The game transformed from a bouncing orange sphere into a mechanism for communication and connection. Some of the youth chose not to play instead setting up cheering sections and cheering loudly after every basket. There was no score kept and no winners and losers, just a bunch of kids in the desert playing together, having fun and shooting baskets.
It was the most profound basketball experience I have ever had.
The new language of peace requires a creative solution, I said Gabriel Meyer co- founder of Sulha — Sports and Arts can surprise reality and make change. JDBASKETBALL came in and relieved tension and assisted in creating bonds between Palestine and Israeli teens after hours of intense discussion, emotion, and bereavement. JDBASKETBALL coaches really broke the ice, and furthered our peace gathering.
Although it would be naive for us to think we made a major difference in the struggle for peace, co-existence and understanding in the Middle East. But – -for that short time, in our small court on top of a big desert mountain amidst major conflict, life was fun, issues were put aside and peace was upon us.
For World Peace,
JD Walsh
JDBASKETBALL’s new travel blog will be featured onwww.insidehoops.com, one of the worlds leading basketball websites for news and information
China stuff
February 19, 2002
Up until the arrival of NBA #1 pick in the NBA Yao Ming it was rarely would you ever hear the words basketball and China in the same sentence. However after a recent trip to China we learned the world better prepare as the influx of talent from the Far East is coming.
The New China, as the Chinese say is a budding socialist superpower with drops of capitalism and an influx of imported ideas. By joining the WTO China, President Jiang Zemin has recently announced the opening of China’s doors to the Western World. Building 24 hours a day in major cities, while gearing up for the 2008 Olympics, Beijing China is a growing metropolis with a population of over 15 million. I realized China was in a tremendous state of change when walking down the city street near our hotel, I saw an old man and his family riding by horse with tremendous bails of bail of hay and straw in the background was a brand new McDonalds, amongst hundreds of bicycles. It was not uncommon to see young kids listening to hip hop music wearing Kobe Bryant jerseys.
Sino-American International, a New York based company has recently come to a ten year exclusive agreement with the Chinese Basketball Association and Beijing SingOlym Sports Technology to promote good will and exchange between the two countries through a common ground—basketball. Although Americans consider basketball inherently ours if you look at the NBA of the players are foreign. The 2002 National Elite All-Star China tour and CBA/SAIS New Star Camp and coaches clinic sponsored by Sino-American International, SingOlym Sports Technology and the Chinese Basketball Association was a major success.
It has been said that Dr. James Naismith never made it to China. According to “Basketball and Beyond”, by Alexander Wolf (pg. 235) , “ Basketball was played in the army in China in 1927. Dr. Naismith did receive a postcard from an American correspondent who had traveled the countryside by train and rickshaw and wrote to the inventor explaining how he saw hoops everywhere he went.”
Although soccer is still the most popular sport in the nation, basketball is the only sport offered in every school. The global implementation of Chinese players Wang Zhu Zhu and Mangtee Bateer, basketball is rapidly gaining as it is only sport played in every school in China. We have come to understand that Chinese kids who show an aptitude for a certain sport are sent to special sports schools such as the Shanghai Sports Academy. It is at these academies that the athletes are educated and trained; government funded, these schools will train and travel domestically and abroad. Depending on the sport, as the player continues to develop he or she can then be selected for the National Team. Contrary to the USA Basketball, in China the teams are selected early on and the players have been together for years before international competition. We found that many of the players for basketball are chosen by height. Although the overall talent level is somewhat capped as compared to the US, we were told unofficially that One fact I found interesting was when in conversation with Big Xu, (A famous television reporter who does NBA to China telecasts) I discovered that the basketball players in China are selected at an early age by height. If they are an particular height and age domain (around age 12) children are sent to a special sports academy to train and study.
Walking into the gymnasium for our first practice, I came to notice the size of the team. No players under 6’ 2 including three7 footers. Unfortunately the smaller players in China get weeded out at a young age, hence Allen Iverson would have never continued his basketball career past age 7 or 8. Contrary to American style team is the main focus of the Chinese athletes. Collective group and collective responsibility seem to be the main focus of the players. Unlike the Americans who would rather slam dunk to attract self attention, I was told it was frown upon in China. The dunk shot only being used when necessary for a score.
Our initial events heading un unprecedented ten year exclusive agreement with the CBA to assist in the cross cultural exchange and mutually understanding allows for the development of grassroots basketball in China is especially timely with the selection of Yao Ming as the number one pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. Basketball in Asia, especially China has taken on a new popularity.
Delegations from both countries utilized athletics as a common ground for mutual respect and understanding. Life long bonds developed and bridges were built between the people of the two great nations during the course of our experience in China.
Although it took some time to become accustomed to the time zone and the food and the FIBA rules, once adjusted the teams felt very comfortable. Seeing such world wide landmarks as the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Summer Palace enhanced the travel tour and bought insight to the youth.
The National Elite All-Stars selected by SAIS enjoyed friendly yet fierce competition throughout China traveling and competing in provinces (like American states) such as Hebei, Jilin and Beijing. The girls team learned a great lessen for future trips as we lost all 3 games to the very strong China National Women’s Jr. Team. The China girls were older and more experienced than the National Elite Girls. The girls were also not accustomed to playing with FIBA rules which designate a larger court, bigger size basketball, wider lanes and different time out and substitution patterns.
The boys did much better although losing 2 of 3 to the China National Jr. Team played extremely well and though questionable officiating. It became evident in the third game we had a stronger team when The National Elite All-Stars outclassed the China team by 29 on a nationally televised (CCTV) game. The team continued to perform well, losing only one other game and dominating the China National Jr. Finals to a complete record of 5-3. The star for the Boys team was 5 9’ guard Darryl ‘Showtime’ Hill from Queens, NY. The current freshman at St. John’s University dominated every game and averaged close to 29 points a game shooting 54% from the field. Other top performers included rising Junior, 6 8’ Forward , Juan Diego Palacious (Our Savior New American H.S. , Centereach NY) who averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds a game, and Donald Copeland 5 9 G Jersey City, NJ (Seton Hall University) 19 points 5 assists 60% 3pt.
US Elite All-Stars with China National Jr. Team
The China teams selected from throughout the country had great size, talent, speed and athleticism. Amazingly, both teams played half court man to man defense. The play style was rough and aggressive, the officials called the game similarly. The girls team played a hi tempo fast break ½ court pressure game. The girls were tall and lean and good and could really shoot–in my opinion this team in the US would compete with the likes of UCONN and Tennessee. The boys played more of a power and strength game. Playing total team basketball, the Chinese worked the bal around and focused on an inside game led by 7 1 center. Although we did encounter some excellent shooters including Yi Jilin, the primary focus of the team was Tong 7 ft 1 big man with a soft touch who trains with Yao Ming. The boys team was modeled by the National coaches whom I was told had a strong Russian influence. Other interesting observations I noticed in the coaching included: 1) the coaches sit the entire game and do not stand or yell, instructing the team only in time out situations. Never yelling at the officials., when I would argue a call I was given a strange look by not only the officials but the scorers table personnel , the spectators and the uniformed military that were present every game. 2) The coaches continue to play there players regardless of foul trouble (Good players fouled out in the first half). 3. Although excellent off the ball defenders and rebounders, the Chinese teams did not full court or ¾ court press or trap in the half court. 4) The locker rooms were like board rooms with big long board room tables and leather chairs, strange by US standards but common place in Asia. Bathrooms as travelers know are cold old world or holes, very different to US standards.
The playing atmosphere for our teams was excellent and every arena was sold out with people waiting outside sometimes in the pouring rain just to catch a glimpse of the team coming in. I can remember giving locker room speeches in small rooms with small curtins on the windows which did not cover the entire window. The outdoor spectators were peeping thru the small cracks, just to get a look of the Americans. Smokoing is still allowed in public places in China and we could see the dusty smoke rising up throughout the arena. Without airconditioning, the Chinese spectators had the Chinese fans which wavewd by the thousands and looked like doves flying throught the place.The National Jr. Finals was played in a brand new state of the art arena which was built for the Beijing 2008 Olympics games, an astonishing venue with 2 NBA size practice facilities in the back.The Chinese teams utilized size and strength and team play while the US team relied on speed quickness and individual efforts. Our star guard Darryl ‘ Showtime’ Hill was too quick for the Chinese defenders and npo Chinese defenders were able to keep up with his quickness!
Our CBA / New Star camp was conducted following the tour. We invited 11 coaches (See coaches bios attached) including former NBA head Coach, Jim Todd (LA Clippers) and San Antonio Spurs Guard Speedy Claxton. The camp was conducted for 100 Chinese boys ages 8-18 , August 26-30th at the Beijing University of Physical Education. The players were selected randomly by the CBA and 40 of them were sent by Sinjin #8of the Dongbai Tigers-the Michael Jordan of the CBA. Simultaneously a coaches clinic for the top 100 including National and Olympic level coaches at the Capital University of Sports, Beijing. Interpreters were commissioned for each venue, including famous countryman and four time Olympic coach Wei Ping for the coach’s clinic. As we learned, in China students need to pass a national exam to become coaches. Students training to become coaches were utilized on the camp site. Although it was amazing to see how much farther advanced the US game is, the Chinese are hungry to learn. It wasn’t a surprise to talk with the semi-English speaking Chinese kids who knew the names of NBA players and had the skills to do the ball handling tricks we are accustomed to seeing seen on the NIKE commercials.. More so in the coaching as the young Chinese kids can watch the NBA and Nike commercials on CCTV via satellite. The camp was organized to have the American coaches with interpreters teaching drill stations on fundamentals in the morning and games in the afternoon. Campers were separated and arranged according to age and ability. It was surprising to see the skill level of the players. Although most of the coaches agreed that the more comprehisve drills were an introduction to the camps as well as the teams selected to be demonstrators for the coaches clinic. One scene that stays in my head was Cliff Warren, assistant coach at Georgia Tech taking turns break dancing with the basketball with the Chinese kids in the circle and Adam Ginsberg (Northeastern) and Tim Maloney (U. Florida) clapping along and whistling. The Chinese kids and coaches worked hard, all thecoached claimed they were more attentive than their American counterparts. China will continue to improve and become a world power in the sport of basketball. Improved training, facilities and coaching methods will integrate a heightened interest of the game NBA players especially top draft pick, Yao Ming combined with a pool selected of (1.5 billion) people will prove this theory. I was told that China has 215 7 footers in their 25 and under program. Asians typically have long lean bodies (basketball bodies) and as China continues to develop as an emerging nation, nutrition rates and standard of living will rise as will athletic performance. China has system in place to find players and keep them in sports as in the US they may tail off without structure. The Socialism mindset also teaches family first an ideology carried over to team sports as well. Chinese players would rather win a game than be the leading scorer. Lastly as the CBA league grows a financial incentive will be apparent to the kids who are in the grassroots, as one coach phrased it, China basketball is like the US in the 1950’s.
Although this was the first of the exchanges of exchanges with the CBA, we are very happy with the outcome of the tour and camp. As well as continuing with the New Star and coaches clinic and other basketball events in China to continue the exchange, SAIS has arranged future events in the near future including the Beijing Sports Academy team to travel to Utah to open the season with the Number 1 USA Today pre-season girls H.S. team in the country, host Mountain View HS and next spring a US tour of the National Jr. Team to the US (Dates TBA).
Most of the games and camp day were televised and the venues were filled. The Americans were treated like dignitary royalty at times and even enjoyed police escort during most of the travel. The boys team conducted clinics for the orphan kids in Jilin and were very well known as Beijing television produced a 3 minute clip for the Beijing TV news. The TV and print media coverage in China was very extensive. Our teams played on CCTV to a national audience of 100 million—that more tha the number of people who watched the Super bowl. I conducted over 50 TV interviews including CCTV news at 10pm estimated 1 Billion viewer ship. The Chinese remarked on the American skill and talent, and we respected the height and strength of the Chinese. The CBA and SAIS looks forward to working together to provide future events and dealings between the youths of our two countries.
CHINA SPORTS DAILY NEWSPAPER
© The JD Walsh Basketball School 1998-2010