The recently concluded Digicel NBA Elite Programme proved to be so much more than just an amazing basketball experience of a life time, but also an eye opening, thought provoking and life defining moment for young Virgin Islands basketball players Malachy S. Payne and D’Moi M. Hodge. Photo: Provided

The two lucky ballers, D’moi M. Hodge and Malachy S. Payne, were rewarded with an NBA experience for their winning performance at Digicel’ s Jumpstart Basketball Clinic held recently in Trinidad and Tobago. Photo: Provided

The experience for Hodge and Payne included watching the Golden State Warriors against the Nets on Sunday December 6, 2015. Photo: Provided

The 8 Caribbean players selected for the NBA experience were given a tour of the Barclays Center, among other places. Photo: Provided

The players pose during one of many photo opportunities during the tour. Photo: Provided

From left: Malachy S. Payne, D'Moi M. Hodge and Jason A. Edwin, moments before departing for St Thomas, USVI en route to the USA on December 4, 2015 . Photo: Team of Reporters

Whilst the experience included watching the Golden State Warriors against the Nets on Sunday, scrimmages with other young players from Rutgers Prep school in New York and working on drills such as special plays and dribbling, it also included a tour of the NBA offices and an education into other opportunities available within the NBA set up, if being a top player doesn’t work out.

“A lot of time was spent stressing off court preparation and how important it is,” commented Digical Brand Ambassador, Jason A. Edwin in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online.

“The Boys were given an insight to how important education is as well as the various other options for being involved with the NBA; Sponsored Programmes, Back Office, Coaching, Refereeing, almost everything to do with the game outside of playing.”

Importance of education stressed

Edwin also thought that both Payne and Hodge had been really impressive compared to boys from the other islands, as well as those at the Prep School.

“Playing against Rutgers opened their eyes to being in a well organised programme and proved to them that working hard on education, fundamentals and game preparation can be the difference between reaching their dreams and goals and falling short.”

As for Hodge, he fully appreciated the advice from the coaches. “They told me to always play strong, play with my team and if I could take a shot don't be scared to take it and just play ball,” Hodge told this news site.

The game against Rutgers Prep was also a good experience for both players and as Hodge explained: “Well the game was good. It wasn't how I expected it to be as they weren’t as big as I thought. Malachy played good he used his dribbling skills to help him get easy buckets and I played good; I did my thing.”

‘Real deal’ experience

Watching the Golden State Warriors game was also inspiring to Hodge, who was impressed by the speed of the players. “We had seats close to the court and it was a wonderful experience because it was my first game and yes it did inspire me to reach up there. The court isn't as long as it appears on TV and that we have to learn to play at a fast level. While it seemed the game would be a blowout early on, the Nets made it a game. You got to see the real deal, the halftime shows, and cheerleaders - everything live.”

Meanwhile, a Digicel press release quoted Payne saying: "The court is big and beautiful. I would love to go there again and would love to be playing on the court one of these days."

Visit to NBA office

The players wrapped up their tour with a visit to the NBA offices on Monday.

Hodge said, "There were 8-foot rims in the office, I could have stood up and held on to it. They had all the players' shoes and jerseys, in the different colors. They showed us what they did to ensure everything goes right, how NBA Cares works - everything."

Payne said, “What the office personnel shared is it's not just about what happens on the court, but what viewers see on television. They do a lot of things around the clock to make sure everything is in order," he said.

Digicel CEO, Conor Looney added, “We are very pleased with the results of the first Digicel NBA Jumpstart Clinic, to know that we can offer young players from the territory like D’Moi and Malachy, and outstanding young men like Jason, the opportunity of a lifetime. It has been an extraordinary experience for everyone involved over the last 6 months. In true Digicel style, next year will be bigger and better; these young players have set a very high standard for next year’s participants. As we look forward to the New Year ahead, Digicel will continue to support talented young people in the Virgin Islands to achieve their potential, both here at home and overseas.”