Engen US Coaches seminar impacts SA Basketball

Thursday, 30 October 2008

Through Engen's commitment to development, sixty South African basketball coaches from across the country were treated to a 3 day intensive Basketball Coaching Seminar in Pietermaritzburg. The event took place the Pietermaritzburg Girls high School from 01 - 03 October 2008.

The city played host to the 'first of its kind' seminar where four legendary US basketball coaches formed part of the fourth successful Engen US Coaches Tour. The seminar held in conjunction with Basketball South Africa (BSA)-KZN was aimed at developing the skills of amateur basketball coaches.

The coaches sat at the edge of their seats, absorbing as much knowledge from the US coaches as possible. The seminar adopted a holistic approach by concentrating on both the technical and physical aspects involved in being a basketball coach. Moreover, the programme also focused on the fundamentals of playing as a team, strong leadership and the importance of solid educational foundation.

"I was inspired by the US Coaches passion for the game but more importantly their commitment towards their players. These coaches reach out to their players and use the pride in their achievements to enhance their lives" Llew Dodd.

The team of US coaches was lead by former basketball star and current president of Futur Incorporated, Joyce Jenkins. Joining her was Marvin Harvey (Chairman and Founder of Harvey's Shooters Touch Academy as well as former Coach of the WNBA Houston Comets), Carl Mattei (Adidas All-Star camp coach) and YeRushia Brown(WNBA veteran and former Furman University basketball standout).

"There is a way to do everything, and shooting is no different. There is a way to kick a football, a way to hit a golf ball, and a way to shoot a basketball. The trick is having the "correct" information, understand it, work on it, and start the process of "mastering" it" Marvin Harvey.

Each SA coach received a Certificate of Participation, a "Get the Shot" basketball training DVD, developed by Marvin Harvey and other Engen sponsored gifts.

"We at Engen remain committed to the development of basketball talent in South Africa and are proud to be part of the US Coaches Tour under the leadership of Joyce Jenkins, President of Futur Inc. This seminar is an opportunity for coaches as role models to share what they have gained with our future South African basketball stars." Brad Bergh, Engen Corporate Sponsorship Manager.

The basketball knowledge and tips acquired at the seminar will undoubtedly add considerable value when these coaches share their knowledge and expertise with other coaches and players in their respective communities. This seminar series is testament to the commitment by Engen and will ensure South Africa's success in producing future basketball players.