Guests, coaches and participants of the coaching clinic at the opening ceremony.
Hoops, hops, buckets, dribbling and rebounding. These were the famous words heard as 125 young basketball enthusiasts from several schools in Pengerang, Johor got a chance to play the game with some of Malaysia’s finest.
The rare opportunity was made possible at the two-week Basketball Coaching Clinic Programme, organised by Petronas’ Pengerang Integrated Complex (PIC) and supported by the Johor State Basketball Association.
The programme, held at SJK (C) Yok Poon, was also attended by students from SJK (C) Cina Tai Sin and SMK Tanjung Datuk.
On hand to conduct the clinics were the country’s veteran basketball coach, Goh Cheng Huat, as well as national players John Ng Yeo Seng and Wong Wee Seng.
“The programme aims to enhance the basketball skills of Pengerang youths while promoting a healthy lifestyle and sports as a hobby.
“It is important for the students to learn how to balance their academic life and sports activities,” said Petronas vice-president and PIC venture director Juniwati Rahmat Hussin.
”For Petronas, it has always been our goal to create a sustainable future for the communities where we operate. This programme signifies one of Petronas’ focus clusters in our CSI programme in Pengerang, which centres on the education for our young talents,” she added.
Also present at the launch were JSBA vice-president Neo Meng Kian, Kota Tinggi Basketball Association president Teo Lee Ho, SJK (C) Yok Poon principa Tan Chow Hee, SJK (C) Tai Sin principal Goh Siew Ng and SMK Tanjung Datuk principal Farzeli Che Mat Mustafa.
The programme saw Goh and his assistant coaches not only sharing useful game tips and tactics with the participants, but also working on the fundamentals most basketball players overlook as they progress.
“I am happy with the positive turnout. It is uplifting to see the enthusiasm and energy in these youngsters,” said Goh, who is also Industries and Commercial Basketball League commissioner.
“The students have good attitudes and they certainly have potential. The tips and strategies we gave them during the two-week clinics should help them to excel in basketball,” he added.
The participants, most of whom were already familiar with the fundamentals of basketball, were delighted to get the chance to refresh their knowledge and skill with new techniques.
“I always thought I was good, but now I see that I have much more to learn,” said 17-year-old Sim Hong Cheng, who plays for SMK Tanjung Datuk boys’ team.
“I was thrilled when I first heard coach Goh was coming to Peng-erang to teach us basketball. I cannot express how excited and honoured I was to meet him.”
Hee Han Chuan, 16, from the girls’ team, said, “This is the first time we get to train with a professional coach and it’s certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Some of the new players to the game also welcomed the basketball clinics.
“It was tiring, but I enjoyed the sessions very much,” said 10-year-old Hawa Aqiera Razak of SJK (C) Yok Poon.
“I can run very fast. Now, I can dribble while I run,” she giggled while recounting her experience.
“Before this, I never knew playing basketball could be so much fun,” said nine-year-old Chong Hsien Long of SJK (C) Tai Sin.
“I want to be like John one day,” said the little boy who was charmed by the national player.
Ganason Ramasamy, an English teacher and head of SJK (C) Yok Poon’s basketball team, lauded the programme.
“Although I coach the school’s basketball team, I am not a certified coach. By having these clinic with professionals, the students benefit so much more,” he said.
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