Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues, the shortest player in NBA (National Basketball Association) history, encouraged young basketballers at the Digicel Jumpstart Programme, to not let obstacles get in their way of accomplishing their goals.
Bogues, along with fellow NBA legends Adonal Foyle and PJ Carlesimo, were in T&T recently to help conduct the Digicel Jumpstart Programme at the UWI SPEC in St Augustine. Also passing on their knowledge of basketball to youngsters from around the Caribbean were NBA coaches Bill Bayno and Troy Justice, and numerous coaches from T&T.
At the end of the clinic, eight players were rewarded with a trip to New York, to participate in the NBA New York Experience in December. The eight players selected were Mohammed Elias (T&T), Remy Brewer (T&T), Bertrand Shakeil (T&T), Kadeem Greig (T&T), Yontz Sutton (Bermuda), D’Moi Hodge (British Virgin Islands), Ghadarno Clarke (Turks and Caicos) and Malachy Payne (British Virgin Islands).
Bogues, a former point guard who stands at five feet, three inches, told the young basketballers to never give up on their dreams. Bogues said, “It was very difficult to select eight out of 35. Do not hang your heads down, it should give you more hunger to get better. We all have obstacles that we have to overcome. Keep that hunger and keep that fire going. As you see I am the smallest to ever play this game of basketball. No one told me that I could do it.”
Bogues, who played 15 seasons in the NBA, added, “It’s not all about making it to the NBA. It’s about being a good human being. Get that education, have that balance because it’s a short life in basketball. Never underestimate the importance of your education.”
Foyle, who was born in St Vincent and the Grenadines, said it does not matter where you come from.
Foyle said, “You guys should be proud of what you accomplished this week. I came from St Vincent and the Grenadines and most people told me that I would not make it. I want you to know that if I could make it from the St Vincent and the Grenadines, each and every one of you is in an extraordinary position to make it to the next level. You have to believe in yourself, you have to continue to work hard. This is just the beginning of what’s possible. Don’t let where you come from be an excuse for what you can accomplish.”
PJ Carlesimo, a former NBA coach, took the time to thank his fellow coaches for their work at the closing ceremony on Monday. “Troy Justice, Bill Bayno and you guys (T&T coaches) did all the work. You’re work, your ability to continue to learn and teach is going to be critical in growing basketball in T&T and the Caribbean. You youngsters need to understand how important your coaches are.”