Rondo trains young Pinoy players, says anyone has shot at NBA

Rey Joble, InterAKTV

Rajon Rondo conducted a basketball clinic for top young college and high school players in San Juan on Tuesday, and he said Filipinos have as good a shot as anyone else at making it to the NBA

“I’m only 6-foot-2, but I study the game a lot. I look for any edge I can find to gain advantage,” said the three-time NBA all-star.

“With constant practice, dedication and perseverance, anything is possible.”

Former PBA Most Valuable Player Jimmy Alapag was present to give Rondo a hand in the clinic, and he said Rondo’s NBA success should inspire Filipino players.

“He stands 6-foot-2 and has not been blessed with natural athletic abilities like other guards, but he plays in a unique way — with efficiency and hard work combined,” said Alapag. “Filipinos are noted for their hard work, so I believe a Filipino player making the NBA future won’t be a far-fetched reality.”

Rondo spent time teaching his unique moves to the young players, and SMART-Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes, who also attended the workout, said Filipinos should take notice.

“Maraming bago sa itinuro ni Rondo. The good thing is Rondo’s game is being played under the basket because maliliit tayo, mas magiging effective sa Filipino players,” he said.

“Those behind the back passes are not anymore fancy plays. It’s now part of the fundamentals of every player.”

Rondo demonstrated some of his moves to Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena and Aaron Black of Ateneo, Bobby Ray Parks of National University, Kevin Alas of Letran, Jonathan Banal of Mapua, Isiah Banal of Arellano University, Jett Vidal of Perpetual Help, Baser Amer of San Beda, and Thomas Torres of La Salle.

The Boston Celtics guard demonstrated the Euro step move — familiar to most Filipino players as the common sidestep — and explained its use.

“I’m using the Euro step move before going for a layup so that bigger and athletic players like LeBron James will have difficult time blocking it,” said Rondo.

He also demonstrated the teardrop shot.

“The looping shot is a shot you normally see in my game as well as Tony Parker’s. We do that to avoid being blocked by bigger players staying in the shaded lane,” said Rondo.

Reyes said the drills Rondo taught could be be handy for developing Filipino players.

“Those drills can be useful to our SMART-Gilas players and Philippine basketball in general. We’re small compared to other countries, so Rondo’s game, which is being played under the basket, will be very effective,” said Reyes.