The lack of tall, big men that has been the bane of national teams in past international campaigns will hopefully end soon.
Olympian Arturo Valenzona, through a foundation named after him and with the help of his former playes and friends in basketball, is set to start a year-round search for big men beginning on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Paraiso Ng Batang Maynila covered court opposite the Manila Zoo along Adriatico St. in Ermita.
More than 200 kids, mostly from the Big City aged 8-18, are expected to attend the clinic called the “Big Men’s Camp” for free, to be held initially every Saturday and Sunday during school days and daily on summer break.
“Actually, the project is a basketball clinic for grassroots level for kids, pero magkakaroon ng special concentration in search of tall boys who we hope to develop to play for college, then to the pro ranks para maging career nila eventually,” said Valenzona, a former player and one of only two Filipino coaches to handle teams in the collegiate, commercial and pro-levels.
“And, ang pinaka-importante ay makakita tayo ng talents na made-develop para sa national teams para hindi na tayo mag-import pa ng players hindi naman natin mapakinabangan ng husto,” the former San Sebastian College coach who won five collegiat basketball titles in the NCAA added.
“Kailangan lang ay hanapin natin ang mga ito at isa sa paraan para natin sila makita ay through grassroot talent-search, “ Valenzona, who is also credited to steering Tanduay to three PBA title victories from 1986 to 1987, noted.
“This is the reason why we are offering he camp for free para mas maraming bata and maka-avail ng serbisyo. Marami nga tayong existing clinics ngayon, pero mahal ang bayad na hindi ma-afford ng mas maraming mahihirap na bata,” Valenzona said.
Valenzona, who was a member of the Philippine team to the 1964 Olympic Games said those interested can call telephone numbers 0916-4436100, 0929-2148234, 0922-4616503 or landline 53 7418 to register.
Applicants can also get in touch with their Barangay chairmen in their respective areas.