Patrimonio graces US Embassy basketball clinic

CLOSE to 700 upcoming and varsity basketball players took their time out to join the first-ever basketball clinic under the America in 3D at the SLU covered courts.

Three universities coming from the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League were among the participants in the two-day event as part of the US Embassy's most significant outreach initiative in the Summer Capital.

BASKETBALL CLINIC - PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio and current B-Meg pro cager Rico Maierhofer gave free basketball skills clinic to local Basketball coaches and varisties at the Saint Louis University covered courts last june 8.-Larry P. Fabian

Four-time PBA most valuable player Alvin Patrimonio, who is now the team manager of B-Meg Derby Ace, together with Rico Maierhofer, who also plays for the same squad, was speaker of the two-day event.

"In this clinic, we will not only teach you the basics of basketball but we will also try to instill to you the proper attitude, discipline, passion and the love for the sport of basketball," said Patrimonio during the clinic, which will have four sessions.

Among the three universities are host Saint Louis University, University of the Cordilleras and La Trinidad based Cordillera Career Development College.

Also participating in the basketball clinic were high school students from the different schools in the city and nearby La Trinidad, Benguet.

"With this clinic, we hope to see a Baguio player making it in the PBA," added Patrimonio.

The clinic resumes Saturday with US Ambassador Harry Thomas expected to drop by and introduce the 2 p.m. basketball clinic.

Hoping to improve their basic skills in basketball, Baguio City National High School coach Joey Agaser said the clinic is a big help in their training regimen as they prepare for several competitions slated this year.

"I'm hopeful na sana eh matutunan ng mga bata ng maayos yung mga basic drills at mga bagong skills na ituturo," said Agacer.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 09, 2011.