JDBASKETBALL works with US State Department in Mumbai, August 2007

August 30, 2007

JDBASKETBALL works with US State Department in Mumbai, Doha and Chennai

AB the organizer scheduled my driver an hour early for each visit to Don Bosco School in Mumbai– formerly known as Bombay. At first I wasn’t quite sure why – the venue was only a few kilometers away but I soon found out. We think NYC traffic is bad and curse Robert Moses- Bombay is a symphony of vehicular meandering! The Economist recently did an article on how difficult it is to car around through the finance capital of India- they suggested correctly to take a helicopter! And not just cars- wall-to wall people and occasionally cows, goats, graced our path from north, south, east and west. One morning I even saw a guy leading a camel. Routinely, I would see men and women carry large boxes—on their heads. But the system works. But I kept wondering, all these people, where do they go, what do they do? The colors, the soulfulness, the traditions, the food, the music, the organized chaos— Incredible India indeed!I was honored as invited the American Center in Mumbai (aka The US State Department) to conduct a cultural integrating event (i.e basketball camp) at Don Bosco School in for the youth and coaches in Dadar, Mumbai.I really enjoy traveling the world and meeting people, especially the reporters as I never know what they will ask. In Taiwan I was asked what do I recommend to eat before a game– sushi, burgers or street food from the night market? umm sushi, but not sure?? Its crazy, but I love it! At the pre-camp press conference, I was prepared to answer the regular questions pertaining to India Basketball. But instead my cell phone rang and the ring tone set to a Hindi beat tracked from the film ‘Rang De Basanti’ went aloud. From then on, I was asked only about my teaching methods and how basketball relates to dance. I was asked if I saw the recent Bollywood hit Chak De!, The flick is a bit monumental in India as it is a story a group of girls field hockey players. (Unfortunately, not- I am waiting for the English subtitles.) I have long theorized that basketball is an art form, a dance where direct special relationship exists between the ball the body movements and the lines on the court. With repeated practice and movements, you can actually train the body to move better or dance on the court. Magic Johnson used to say he heard music when he played who would argue with that Basketball Baryshnikov?I felt right at home as Father Crispini introduced me to the group. He is a real hero figure in this community, controlling a school for over 1000 kids and housing over 100 orphans. About 200 kids and coaches awaited me for the weekend clinic started off without barely a hitch. After a short introduction ceremony, I eased into some defensive slides and a warm- up, the group needed little motivation as they excited enough. I explained that basketball is a dance, and told them they would all become Bollywood dancers if they didn’t make the NBA.Feeding on the kids energy, I taught them some new concepts (for them), such as Triple Threat position, and movement off ball and off side screening. We utilized the 3 courts and 9 baskets- the Indians sure are great at maximizing space! At school recess (yes- they have school on Saturday), we escaped the mob of 800 boys by recirculation upstairs to the media room to watch a video of US Elite All Stars vs. the China National Jr. team. It was an old DVD, but it was all I had on short notice- but the kids loved it. Cheering for Daryl ‘Showtime’ Hill (St. Johns U) at every Shake and Bake. Their eyes were glued studying every move, proving again- everyone around the world loves a good hoops show.On Sunday, it began to rain, so we went in a court that had an overhang. Such an incredible site it was to see all the players and coaches working together on a screening drill in such a small space. Delicious chai was provided during intermittent timeouts. I could only wish the Starbucks in Soho could make it like this! I arrived early in morning to see the coaches playing Fr. Crispini hit 4 shots in a row- how is that for divine intervention!

The end of each day was hi-lighted by 1 on 1 and 3 on 3 play, utilizing the early skills we practiced. Had we more– time 5 on 5. Next time!The reality is that now in India cricket is king, the queen, and owns the court in India, but I get the feeling that someday soon things might change.The clinic was a huge success, and I was invited to come back in November and March. I can’t wait as Incredible India is quickly becoming a second home.Special thanks to Lynn Gadkowski, Ajmal Palakal and everyone from American Center in Mumbai, and MV Venkatesh, delegates from AB from Don Bosco, and Fr. Crispino and coaches from Don Bosco. Maharastra State Basketball Association, and all the coaches and players.

JD

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