Some of Western Australia’s best basketballers have shown a group of juniors the tricks of the trade.
Five Perth Wildcats players took a break from their pre-season training schedules to run a junior coaching clinic on Friday, April 27 at Eaton Recreation Centre.
The players – guard Damian Martin, forward Lucas Walker, forward Clint Steindl, forward Jesse Wagstaff, and forward Rhys Vague – delivered two training sessions with basketball hopefuls from the region.
The pros and youngsters conducted drills focusing on coordination and ball skills.
Their tour saw them also stop in Dongara, Geraldton, and Margaret River.
“It’s a combination of things, we are trying to have some fun and focus on some skill development as well,” Martin said.
“We want them to have learnt a thing or two but also to enjoy the game itself.”
After the sessions, the Wildcats’ stars signed basketballs and took photos with participants.
Astounded by the juniors’ enthusiasm, Martin was pleased to see them in action.
“The energy is contagious and you get to see a different part of Western Australia,” he said.
“I have been to Bunbury, on and off, for nine years and I love it down here.
“Any excuse to get down here is a good enough one for me.”
Fresh from Australia’s success at the Commonwealth Games, Martin hopes the sessions will get young athletes engaged in basketball.
“We’re trying to push the sport, more than anything,” he said.
“Bunbury has produced some great basketballers such as Mark Worthington and Cameron Gliddon.
“It is a stronghold for basketball in the state, and hopefully we can help develop some young players to go on and play for the Wildcats.
“We went through similar school clinics, holiday camps etc.”
P and N Bank Bunbury assisted with the sessions.
Bunbury branch manager Donna Gibbs was happy to see professional athletes lending Bunbury’s junior players a hand.
“The Wildcats are fantastic and it’s really great to watch them interact with the junior players,” she said.
“They’re really community based, so I think it’s great.”
