UPDATE: NBA coaches impressed with standard of young VI ballers
The camp concluded on Wednesday August 26, 2015.
The five, who according to NBA coach Troy Justice were chosen based on a lot of different skill tests, physical tests, attitude, teamwork and all round general character, included Corey Flax-Solomon, Ajai Frett, Malachi Payne, Omar Walker and Demoi Hodge.
The decision on who would make the cut was, according to Justice, extremely tough.
“We were looking for a lot of different things: height test, skill tests, measurements, we saw them in different situations like one on one, 2 on 2, 5 on 5. However, it came down to attitude, a team player, someone who made players around them look better and a lot more than just a basketball player.”
Justice and Robert Mackinnon were also very impressed with the overall standard.
“The standard is good, there is a lot of athleticism, and there are a lot of kids with speed and ability. The decision was very tough, we liked what we saw, but there was probably a lot more than five who were close and deserving. That’s exactly what we wanted to see though, so when we come back next year the kids are even better. We want to keep this going so it gets better and better each year.”
One of the five players selected, Corey Flax-Solomon said: “It feels really great that my hard work and dedication for the sport has paid off.”
Demoi Hodge now hopes he can go all the way and Malachi Payne said he was very excited. “I fought each day. I wanted to be chosen and fought for it all the way.”
Digicel Brand Ambassador, Jason A. Edwin was also happy with the performance from all the boys.
“Based on what I saw, the final selection was good; they worked hard and will represent the territory well in Trinidad. I’m proud of the guys who came out; they showed a lot of enthusiasm and some great skills. The future looks bright for basketball.”
See previous article published August 26, 2015
‘Extraordinary Five’ chosen to attend b/ball camp in T&T
A highly successful two-day Digicel/NBA Jump Start Basketball Clinic concluded this afternoon, Wednesday August 26, 2015, with five players chosen to go to a regional five day elite camp in Trinidad and Tobago.
The five, who according to NBA Coach, Troy Justice, were chosen based on a lot of different skill tests, physical tests, attitude, teamwork and all round general character, included Corey Flax-Solomon, Ajai Frett, Malachi Payne, Omar Walker and Demoi Hodge.
40 youths, aged 14-16, from around the territory were put through their paces at the NBA style two-day training camp, complete with two NBA coaches at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.
Digicel will be hosting several other youth clinics with NBA coaches in the Caribbean, at the end of which, the best of the best five, those considered the brightest talents in the region, will travel to the United States where they will train with a top NBA team.
More details in a subsequent report.
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20 Responses to “UPDATE: NBA coaches impressed with standard of young VI ballers”
Oh Fada Good Job Boys Butt lawddd How Yall Got that fl** Boy Who Fail This School Year Going To Represent The Bvi?
Education Then Ball After! Children Need Better Parenting ! This Is A Bad Example Setting For The Territory
His parents shouldn't have let him participate.
Congratulations . You appear to have won the parent of the year award. Please let us give these kids encouragement. Many greats present and future achieved amidst challenges.
You seem to be a very small minded person. Not because I would presume your kids or future kids will be valedictorian mean others won't excel at thier own pace.
Sportsmanship builds character, confidence and the ability to work as a unit and not selfishly.
I congratulate these young men. I know they worked hard and coaches your efforts are noted.
Go on young men and what God has destined for you no one can take .
I'll be cheering you all on.
Bring coach back. His training just should if you had 40 kids and three of his made top 5 I would say that speaks volumes and I know for a fact that they didn't start out as good as they are.
If he just produced three of the top five players that NBA people think are our islands top youth players, wouldn't the next logical step be to bring the coach back. Oh forgot, we in Tortola nothing logical being done around here, why would we expect any different?