BASKETBALL DREAM: THE ROAD TO STARDOM

Let's admit not all of us has the chance to be a part of an elite league like the Philippine Basketball Association. Dreaming to be a professional player someday required skills, hard work, patience and popularity. But how come a child pursue with his dream?

I list some (personal) suggestions on how to have a chance to become a PBA player someday.

• AGES 5-10 YEARS OLD ( your kid)

1. Enroll in a good basketball clinic = every summer there are many basketball clinics around METRO MANILA. But how can you choose a good basketball clinic? TIP: Research for the clinic, if that clinic has a credible training team, if the venue is good enough and lastly, if their product have come a long way( like playing in PBA, UAAP, NCAA) then enroll your children in this clinic. GOOD CLINICS: MILO BEST( I've tried this camp until level 3, and man their training is INTENSE), COACH E Basketball Camp, Basketball Camps of popular basketball personality like Samboy Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc and Bobby Parks.
2. Enroll your children in a school that joins credible leagues in the Philippines like SBP, PASARELLE, UAAP, NCAA.
3. The school you chose has a good basketball program.
4. TRAINING (but don't let your child abandons his/ her studies) 

• 11-20 years ( You/Children)

1. As what I've said above, entering Schools with good basketball programs and is part of credible leagues is a good stepping stone for getting the ultimate goal. Sometimes being a good baller is nothing if your school is not keen on having a basketball program. And also, if the tournaments your school is joining is not that good, then your talent maybe wasted. ( Only small percentage of good basketball players succeed if their school has no love in sports especially basketball)
2.  Age of 17-20 is the time when you graduate HS and pursuing college life. Ofcourse, schools playing in the PCC, UAAP, NCAA are the main options but the league like NCRAA,  SCUAA, WNCAA(for girls), and some good leagues in the province is not that bad. 
3. Show your Mark!! The college basketball life is the time when you make your name, you need to show the coaches of professional teams that you are ready to play with the real men.

• 21 and above(You)

1. DON'T QUIT = Playing in the leagues like La Liga and PBA D-League will help you earn some good markets. 
2. TRY OUT = If you really want this, then you will try going to the team directly and join their try outs. 

As I mentioned, the road to stardom is hard but if you have patience, skill, hardwork and a little luck then maybe your the next PBA SUPERSTAR

note: This is only my personal suggestions. Feel free to comment

" Philip Zuñiga is a graduate of Philippine Normal University. He is a certified sports fan since 1996. "