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| Jr. NBA/Jr.
WNBA Mission
Statement
The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA, presented by Gatorade and Nike, serves existing
recreational youth basketball leagues through support programs for
players, coaches, parents and officials. Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA programs
emphasize fundamental skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and
positive adult participation with the goal of providing a fun and
rewarding youth basketball experience where young players can create a
bond with the game while also learning what it takes to be successful away
from the court. |
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Instructional
Programs
Instruction is the foundation of the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA initiative. That’s
why an expert team of NBA and WNBA personalities, together with youth
sports professionals, have created a unique series of instructional
materials for distribution to member league players, coaches, parents and
officials. The mix of on and off-court instruction creates and maintains a
positive and fun youth basketball environment where fundamental skill
development, team play and sportsmanship are highlighted.
Recognition Programs
Striving to achieve goals while respecting your opponents, teammates,
coaches and officials are what makes youth sports such an important
developmental activity. Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA recognition programs highlight
those traits in young basketball players through positive reinforcement.
All players in Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA member leagues receive a participation
certificate upon successfully completing their season. Member players,
coaches, teams and leagues who stand out on and off-the-court are honored
through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA All-Star, Coach-of-the-Year, League
Achievement and Teamwork Award programs.
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Clinics and
Appearances
NBA and WNBA coaches, players, legends and officials share their passion
with the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA member leagues throughout the year. From skills
to sportsmanship, clinics and appearances allow volunteer coaches and
young players alike to learn from the best (subject to schedule and
location availability).
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WHAT
THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT JR. NBA AND JR. WNBA
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Quotes from Jr.
NBA and Jr. WNBA Advisory Council
Ray Allen, All-Star, Seattle Supersonics
"Basketball is more than just a team game on the court, it's a team
game off the court as well. Positive support from parents and coaches, who
make learning the game fun, are keys to a successful and enjoyable
basketball experience. I'm looking forward to working with the Jr. NBA and
Jr. WNBA so young players at all levels have the opportunity to love the
game as I do." |
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Tina
Thompson, All-Star, Houston Comets
"I've learned much about life by competing on the basketball court.
Through hard work, trust in my teammates and respect of my coaches, I have
become a better player on the court and a better person off it. To share
my experiences and offer guidance to young players through the Jr. NBA and
Jr. WNBA is a privilege." |
Doc
Rivers, ABC Commentator
"Coaching is an extraordinarily rewarding activity. The effort being undertaken by the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA is
important, and one I'm excited about taking part in. I remind myself
everyday how lucky I am to do something I love - basketball, and that I
have the chance to teach the game. I hope I can help others make the same
positive impact." |
Bill Walton, NBA Legend
"I'm honored and privileged to be a part of the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA.
As a former player and current parent, I know first hand how important it
is for young players to receive positive support and encouragement from
their families. What a great feeling for all involved when a player works
hard and accomplishes a goal with the support of their teammates, coaches
and parents."
Quotes from Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA National Youth Basketball Partnership
Kathy J. Spangler, CPRP, Director, National Programs, National
Recreation and Park Association
"Quality youth sports includes a commitment to parents, players, and
coaches. The National Recreation and Park Association is pleased to
support the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs and applauds the NBA and the
WNBA for their commitment to providing youth development opportunities
through the excitement, challenge, and health benefits of
basketball."
Kurt Aschermann, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Boys and Girls Clubs
of America
"Boys & Girls Clubs have provided quality athletic competition
and instruction for kids for over 100 years. The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA
Program gives us an opportunity to bring a marvelous new
activity-impacting kids, parents, coaches and the Club itself-into our
Clubs nationwide. We are thrilled to partner with the NBA and WNBA in this
wonderful new program."
Lenny Silberman, Continental Director JCC Maccabi Games, Jewish
Community Centers of North America
"The Jewish Community Centers of North America are excited to have
this great opportunity to participate with a professional sports league
that is making such an important commitment to young people, their parents
and coaches. What makes the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA effort even greater, is
the vision it has not just for today, but for tomorrow as well."
Brad Hart, Executive Director, National Association of Police Athletic
Leagues
"National PAL is extremely excited to enter into an alliance with the
NBA and WNBA. We are confident that by partnering with the Jr. NBA and Jr.
WNBA we will provide our PAL members with quality programming for youth
who are involved in the great sport of basketball."
Quote from Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Youth Sports Expert
Rick Wolff, Writer, Radio Host and Chairman of the Center for Sports
Parenting
"For several years now, youth sports has been approaching a crisis
stage. With parents and coaches sending the wrong messages more often than
not, it is time for positive leadership. The NBA and WNBA should be
saluted for creating the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA, which will provide positive
programs for players, parents and coaches that will lead young people to
both learn the game and enjoy it."
For more information or an application for the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA,
Administrators can call 1-866-JRHOOPS or e-mail
jrhoops@nba.com |
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