𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐁𝐀’𝐬 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐅𝐁 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜

…𝑭𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒕𝒃𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝑳𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒔, 𝑩𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒅 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒇𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝑩𝑭𝑩 𝑪𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒄

By Rinzin Norbu

The Basketball Federation of Bhutan (BFB) hosted an inspiring Youth Basketball Clinic this weekend, aimed at fostering young talent and nurturing the next generation of basketball players. The two-day event brought together students aged 6 to 19, offering a unique opportunity to learn from former NBA player and current NBA Cares ambassador, Jason Collins. With a focus on fundamental skills, teamwork, and inclusivity, the clinic created an encouraging environment for aspiring players to grow and learn.

The clinic was designed to provide young athletes with comprehensive basketball training tailored to their age groups, ensuring that every participant, regardless of skill level, gained valuable insights and skills. For many of the young Bhutanese players, meeting Jason Collins was an eye-opening experience, allowing them to connect directly with a professional athlete who has paved a pioneering path in sports.

Jason Collins, known for his groundbreaking role as the NBA’s first openly gay active player, brought his wealth of experience and insights from his career in the NBA to the Bhutanese court. Collins, who now works as an ambassador for NBA Cares, shared his journey in the sport with campers, emphasizing the lessons he learned both on and off the court. “Basketball has shaped my life in so many ways,” Collins remarked, “and I’m thrilled to pass along these values to the next generation of players.”

Collins expressed his excitement to work with the young Bhutanese athletes, particularly in a country where basketball is still growing. “Mentoring begins with making the game enjoyable,” Collins explained. “Sports are supposed to be fun.” He focused on teaching the essential dribbling, passing, and shooting, starting with fundamentals to ensure players have a solid base before advancing to more complex techniques. “Building that foundation is crucial,” Collins emphasized, “it’s what makes the highlights possible.”

He also underscored the importance of inclusivity in basketball, expressing his delight at seeing boys and girls playing together. “It doesn’t matter how tall you are, or whether you’re a boy or a girl,” Collins said. “What matters is that you enjoy the game, show respect, and put in the work.” Collins hinted at the possibility of future events in Bhutan, even encouraging his retired NBA and WNBA colleagues to consider visiting. “Bhutan’s beauty and the welcoming nature of the people are inspiring. I think more former players would love to come and contribute here.”

The clinic was part of a larger initiative by the BFB to foster the sport within Bhutan, while also creating pathways for youth who wish to pursue basketball more seriously. With support from NBA Cares, the clinic provides opportunities for Bhutanese players to not only develop their skills but also to gain exposure to global basketball standards and practices.

Nima Gyeltshen, a basketball coach working with the clinic, praised the structure and objectives of the event. Coach Nima emphasized the importance of teaching foundational skills, noting that ball-handling was among the first lessons taught. “If they don’t know how to handle the ball, they lack a key foundation in the game,” Coach Nima said. He went on to explain that tomorrow’s sessions would dive into more advanced techniques, such as different types of passes. “Versatility in passing is critical for any player,” he noted, “and we want our players to be able to adapt to different situations on the court.”

He also addressed shooting techniques, explaining the gradual build-up required for young players to develop a strong shot. “It takes time, but with practice, they’ll see improvement. Even older kids are coming back to the basics, as it’s the foundation of everything,” he added. Coach Nima’s structured approach highlighted the importance of long-term planning and incremental improvement, reflecting the values Collins emphasized.

For the participants, meeting a professional player and hearing his advice firsthand was an unforgettable experience. Sonam Choki, one of the young players attending the clinic, expressed her excitement about learning new techniques, particularly in ball handling, a skill she found challenging yet rewarding. “I never thought I would learn from someone like Jason Collins,” Choki shared. “He’s inspiring, and I hope to one day become a professional player myself.” Collins’ mentorship made a strong impression on her, strengthening her dedication to basketball.

Karma Ugyen Gyembo, another participant, described how observing Collins’ focus and mindset on the court influenced him. “Now I know how to play basketball like Jason,” he said with a smile. Karma highlighted the importance of teamwork and kindness, sharing one of Collins’ lessons: “If your teammate falls, just help them back up.” He expressed his gratitude for the lessons in both skill and character, which he believes are essential for success on the court and in life.

Karma Choki Wangchuk, another enthusiastic participant, shared her appreciation for Collins’ message about patience and persistence. She noted that learning to be patient and understanding that progress takes time has helped her stay committed. “Hearing from him made me realize that even if it takes a while, it’s worth it,” she said, encouraged by Collins’ guidance.

BFB’s basketball coach and referee, Tshewang Zangmo, highlighted the importance of engagement in keeping the young players interested. “When I arrive, they’re always eager to participate, especially in passing drills,” he said, explaining that a fresh face often helps maintain the children’s interest. His focus is on creating an interactive environment where the kids can not only learn but also enjoy the process.

Tshewang Zangmo also emphasized the importance of making the sessions engaging and dynamic to cater to Bhutan’s diverse youth. “The drills need to be fun; we’re dealing with kids who are new to the sport. They need to feel involved and see improvement.” His approach, combined with Collins’ mentorship, created a comprehensive learning atmosphere where players not only refined their techniques but also learned valuable lessons about cooperation and persistence.

The Youth Basketball Clinic exemplified BFB’s commitment to developing a basketball culture in Bhutan, ensuring that the sport is accessible and inspiring for all young players. The clinic also highlighted the impact international collaborations can have on sports in Bhutan, broadening the horizons for aspiring athletes who dream of taking their game to the next level.

Looking ahead, the BFB plans to build on this success by organizing similar events, potentially expanding the clinic to rural areas and reaching a wider range of youth. BFB President Namgay Wangchuk expressed his gratitude to NBA Cares and Collins for their invaluable contribution, noting that this is just the beginning of what could become a transformative partnership for basketball in Bhutan.

By the end of the clinic, Collins had left a lasting impression on Bhutan’s budding basketball enthusiasts. His visit not only bolstered their skills but also opened their eyes to the possibilities that lie beyond Bhutan’s borders. “Basketball has given me so much,” Collins shared in his closing remarks, “and I’m grateful to be able to share it with the next generation here in Bhutan.” His words echoed the sentiments of many young athletes who left the court with more than just new skills, they left with dreams.

As the two-day clinic concluded, Bhutan’s youth walked away with valuable skills, unforgettable memories, and a deepened passion for the game. Through events like this, BFB and NBA Cares are building more than athletes; they’re building a community of young individuals inspired to pursue their dreams and uplift one another along the way.