The nine day (August 6-15) NBA fit camp in the Philippines is the first ever in Southeast Asia and the largest of its kind in the Asia-pacific region. The previous ones in Japan, Korea and China were held on smaller scales. The NBA FIT is a comprehensive health and wellness program that encourages physical activity and healthy living for children and families through programs, events, and products. The camp was led by Miami Head Coach Erik Spoelstra along with assistant coach David Fizdale.
College basketball powerhouse Far Eastern University is one of the only two UAAP schools (the other one is De La Salle University) to be given a chance to undergo this professional fitness program – the NBA way.
During the event, the NBA’s first Fil-American head coach perhaps delivered a strong message to the two FEU squads, particularly to some players of the men’s basketball squad that is currently leading the 73rd UAAP basketball tournament with a perfect 7-0 slate.
On one drill in which he asked the players to perform the proper form of defensive stance, he told them that, “championships are won at this point (of training) by having proper fundamentals.”
That message caught the attention of Tamaraws coach Glenn Capacio.
“Discipline is really the No. 1 key and but it will also boil down on the hardwork of the players. Maybe that’s what he meant,” said Capacio, who also took part in some of the other drills such as dribbling and pick-and-roll plays.
“I think his message was really a reminder for us to follow instructions and not to take the basic fundamentals for granted,” said FEU guard RR Garcia, who leads the UAAP MVP race after first round hostilities.
Meanwhile, a total of 80 basketball hopefuls from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will be trained using latest NBA techniques and will take part in hydration “sweat tests” and tailored nutrition seminars on Wednesday, August 11 at the Big Dome.
