JC Intal’s brothers taught him to play basketball. In grade school, he tried out for basketball camp, and many years later—playing with various teams and overcoming injuries—Intal has made a name for himself as a professional basketball player.
With a heart to give back, he and his teammates from the Phoenix Fuel Masters team participated in the Phoenix Fuel Masters Basketball Camp at the Davao City Recreation Center.
“Ang basketball clinic makakatulong talaga sa mga kids, lalo ng ‘yung mga mahilig sa sports,” said Intal. “We’re very blessed na merong ganitong opportunity na dumarating sa kanila kasi hindi lahat ng lugar nagkakaroon ng ganito, so they should take advantage of the camp.”
Proper footwork, ball handling, defense, passing, receiving, and shooting were among the techniques taught to the more than 150 basketball players of ages 10 to 14 years old. The players were selected from the adopted schools of Phoenix Petroleum and selected barangays in Davao City.
Local coaches led by Camp Master Eddie Salac facilitated the camp. The Phoenix Fuel Masters guided the young players and gave them tips. On one side, Cyrus Baguio, RJ Jazul, and Matthew Wright taught the boys shooting techniques. Doug Kramer and John Wilson guided them through footwork drills. Willy Wilson gave instructions on defense. Joseph Eriobu and Michael Miranda demonstrated passing techniques. The Fuel Masters talked to the boys and encouraged them to learn and practice.
More than just learning ball-control skills, the camp also aimed to teach the young players the importance of discipline, exercise, rest, attitude, strategy, and hard work.
Phoenix Fuel Masters Head Coach Ariel Vanguardia reminded the young players to listen. “‘Yung mga magagaling, like engineers, magaling makinig. Listening is very important kung gusto mong maging magaling na basketball player,” he said.
