The Digicel/NBA Jumpstart Elite Camp in session at Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on October 7, 2016. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The Virgin Islands' participants of the Digicel/NBA Jumpstart Elite Camp. Photo: Provided

Hollins, who was joined by the WNBA Dallas Wings guard Skylar K. Diggins, before putting some of the players through some drills, told them while they have their favourite spots to shoot from, they must be versatile offensively.

Hollins said “it’s OK to shoot threes, it’s OK to drive to the basket and make layups,” but you have to have some versatility to make an impact on the game, in whatever game you’re playing and whatever way you need to make an impact.

“All you have to do to play the game of basketball, is to know when to shoot, know when to pass, know when to dribble and know when to cut,” he explained. “That’s simple, isn’t it? But, most players don’t know it to help them win. They can do it, but don’t know when to do it. And that’s something you need to learn when you play this game—know when to dribble; know when to pass; know when to shoot and know when to cut.”

Honour the God-given ability

After asking what success means and getting varying answers, Hollins told them that each and every one is blessed with God given ability, whether it be quickness; whether it be height or eye-hand coordination.

“Whatever it is, it’s a gift from God and to be successful, you have to go out and honour those gifts and be the best that you can be,” he stated, before asking who wanted to be LeBron James and got a female respondent.

“You can never be LeBron James. You can only be you. And you’ve been gifted to do you and to do it very well. So, be you, do it to the best of your ability and you’ll be a success every time you walk on the court and play—that’s important to understand—but not just in sports but, in life in general. Be the best that you can be.”

Re-learning & un-learning

Hollins shared that a coach once told him in order to be successful, he had the ability to learn and to relearn. He explained that what he and Diggins were telling them, they’d have to relearn some things and they’d have to unlearn some things they’ve been doing, because they are doing things differently from how their coaches have been doing it.

“It doesn’t make what they are doing wrong. It doesn’t make what we are doing better, we’re just different,” he noted. “You play on different teams. You play for different coaches. You learn what you have to learn on that particular team and you get to a new team and you have to unlearn what you learn on the other team and, you have to relearn what you’re going to do with the new team.”

Basketball is played all around the world, Holland noted, and just because you’re the best in this gym means nothing he pointed out. “So don’t ever be contented,” he stated. “Always challenge yourself to improve and get better. Have a strong work ethic. Have a strong will to compete and you’ll be okay.”

See previously article published October 7, 2016

Digicel NBA Elite Camp starts today

Thanks to Digicel and the National Basketball Association (NBA), 40 boys and 16 girls will start their experience of a lifetime when the Jumpstart Elite Camp starts today Friday October 7, 2016 in the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex.

Seven-time NBA Champion Robert K. Horry, 1977 NBA Champion and former NBA head coach Lionel E. Hollins, and two-time WNBA All-Star Skylar K. Diggins will coach at the Camp, which runs until Sunday October 9, 2016.

Mr Horry played for Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs. He is one of only nine players to have won seven or more championships in the NBA. Today, Mr Horry works as a commentator on Time Warner Cable Sports Net.

Mr Hollins played for five teams during his ten-year NBA career as a point guard. He served as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, Grizzlies and Brooklyn Nets and has a lifetime coaching record of 262-272.

Ms Diggins played for Notre Dame, Tulsa Shock and currently plays for the Dallas Wings. In 2015, she was named Western Conference Player of the Month for June and named the WNBA Western Conference Player of the Week for the second week of the season. In 2014 Ms Diggins was named a 2014 WNBA All-Star Starter and the 2014 Most Improved WNBA Player.

VI Participants

Diorys Joseph, Omar Walker, Demoi Bradley, Kachife Bradshaw, Nixon Hamilton, Shauliqua Fahie and Mahkayla Pickering will be participating at the Camp for the Territory.

On Saturday Night, the NBA and WNBA visitors will be at a motivational evening in the Sir Rupert Briercliffe Hall, hosted by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports.

At the conclusion of the Elite Camp, the NBA and Digicel will choose the top thirteen players – eight boys and five girls – who will have an opportunity to take part in an authentic NBA experience in the US later this year.