JDBASKETBALL works with US State Department in Mumbai, Doha and Chennai

AB the organizer scheduled my driver an hour early for each visit to Don Bosco School in Mumbai– formerly known as Bombay.  At first I wasn’t quite sure why –  the venue was only a few kilometers away but I soon found out. We think NYC traffic is bad and curse Robert Moses- Bombay is a symphony of vehicular meandering! The Economist recently did an article on how difficult it is to car around through the finance capital of India- they suggested correctly to take a helicopter! And not just cars- wall-to wall people and occasionally cows, goats, graced our path from north, south, east and west. One morning I even saw a guy leading a camel. Routinely, I would see men and women carry large boxes—on their heads. But the system works. But I kept wondering, all these people, where do they go, what do they do? The colors, the soulfulness, the traditions, the food, the music, the organized chaos— Incredible India indeed!
I was honored as invited the American Center in Mumbai (aka The US State Department) to conduct a cultural integrating event (i.e basketball camp) at Don Bosco School in for the youth and coaches in Dadar, Mumbai.
I really enjoy traveling the world and meeting people, especially the reporters as I never know what they will ask. In Taiwan I was asked what do I recommend to eat before a game– sushi, burgers or street food from the night market? umm sushi, but not sure?? Its crazy, but I love it! At the pre-camp press conference, I was prepared to answer the regular questions pertaining to India Basketball. But instead my cell phone rang and the ring tone set to a Hindi beat tracked from the film ‘Rang De Basanti’ went aloud. From then on, I was asked only about my teaching methods and how basketball relates to dance. I was asked if I saw the recent Bollywood hit Chak De!, The flick is a bit monumental in India as it is a story a group of girls field hockey players. (Unfortunately, not- I am waiting for the English subtitles.) I have long theorized that basketball is an art form, a dance where direct special relationship exists between the ball the body movements and the lines on the court. With repeated practice and movements, you can actually train the body to move better or dance on the court. Magic Johnson used to say he heard music when he played who would argue with that Basketball Baryshnikov?
I felt right at home as Father Crispini introduced me to the group. He is a real hero figure in this community, controlling a school for over 1000 kids and housing over 100 orphans. About 200 kids and coaches awaited me for the weekend clinic started off without barely a hitch. After a short introduction ceremony, I eased into some defensive slides and a warm- up, the group needed little motivation as they excited enough. I explained that basketball is a dance, and told them they would all become Bollywood dancers if they didn’t make the NBA.
Feeding on the kids energy, I taught them some new concepts (for them), such as Triple Threat position, and movement off ball and off side screening. We utilized the 3 courts and 9 baskets- the Indians sure are great at maximizing space! At school recess (yes- they have school on Saturday), we escaped the mob of 800 boys by recirculation upstairs to the media room to watch a video of US Elite All Stars vs. the China National Jr. team. It was an old DVD, but it was all I had on short notice- but the kids loved it. Cheering for Daryl ‘Showtime’ Hill (St. Johns U) at every  Shake and Bake. Their eyes were glued studying every move, proving again- everyone around the world loves a good hoops show.
On Sunday, it began to rain, so we went in a court that had an overhang. Such an incredible site it was to see all the players and coaches working together on a screening drill in such a small space. Delicious chai was provided during intermittent timeouts. I could only wish the Starbucks in Soho could make it like this! I arrived early in morning to see the coaches playing Fr. Crispini hit 4 shots in a row- how is that for divine intervention!

The end of each day was hi-lighted by 1 on 1 and 3 on 3 play, utilizing the early skills we practiced. Had we more– time 5 on 5. Next time!
The reality is that now in India cricket is king, the queen, and owns the court in India, but I get the feeling that someday soon things might change.
The clinic was a huge success, and I was invited to come back in November and March. I can’t wait as Incredible India is quickly becoming a second home.
Special thanks to Lynn Gadkowski, Ajmal Palakal and everyone from American Center in Mumbai, and MV Venkatesh, delegates from AB from Don Bosco, and Fr. Crispino and coaches from Don Bosco. Maharastra State Basketball Association, and all the coaches and players.

JD

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June 14, 2007

Months of anticipation enhanced already infectious enthusiasm as we initiated Hoops for Health on June 26th.

Our effort marks the inception of a three-year program designed to aid the pscho-rehabilitaition of war-torn orphaned youth. We begin our program at Chinar (www.chinar.org), an orphanage in Srinigar, Kashmir, India.

As I came off the plane I was struck by the breathtaking Kashmir landscape and Himalayan Mountain backdrop coupled with uniformed and armed military presence in the forefront. Our mission, which until that point had been only an idea, became very real to me.

Walking thru the orphanage to meet the children for the first time, I saw the shoes (20 pairs stacked neatly), the bunk beds, the little reading desks, and real family photos on the wall, relics of a complex past. I noticed the live-in housemothers dressed in their colorful parda caring for the children with great concern and devotion. The CHINAR kids are a special group with one touching story after another, such as the seven year-old girl whose entire family died in an earthquake after which she survived for three days, alone in the snow; the two brothers whose blind grandmother could no longer care for them, and on and on. The t-shirts and basketballs we gifted were greatly appreciated by the kids and a nice token, yet I know they deserve and need much more.

Our training ground at the Burn Hall School was located, coincidentally, just a stones throw away from United Nations India / Pakistan War relief building.

Surveying the court, we realized the basket was too high for the children to reach and that we needed a lower goal. Immediately, the ever helpful Athletic Director at Burn Hill said they would build one. Knowing that we had less than 24 hours before starting, I bet my assistant coach (and former Indian National Team Captain) JAI that it would never get done.

I had to pay up! Upon arrival the following afternoon, we were happy to see that a goal was welded on the back of the basketball pole about 6 feet high. It was perfect for the six 9 year-old Chinar kids!

We started the clinic by pointing out the various lines of the court and teaching the kids how to dribble and shoot. Excitedly they giggled, they ran, they listened, they attempted to dribble in a straight line, they tried to shoot on the too high to reach goal, they tried to kick the ball, and to run for snacks. They began to learn fundamental basketball!

Although music was discontinued out of respect for the afternoon prayer session at the neighboring mosque, we kept dribbling, laughing, playing, and learning.

We love jdbasketball! in broken Kashmiry English was the kids present to the coaches before the start of the second session. It was a touching moment, one I know I would never experience in an office in downtown Manhattan somewhere.

JAI said he noticed that they were holding their heads up, smiling more, and showing more self-confidence.

Day 2 was actually a major improvement as the kids became little more calm and focused. We were joined by some older youth from an onsite NGO. The listening improved and dribbling was better. We even began to play some competitive games.

The long journey came to an end with a spectacular trophy ceremony. It suddenly became apparent to me that on the other side of the planet David Stern was welcoming Greg Oden to the podium for the first pick in the NBA draft. For a second I began to wonder what exactly I was doing in this picture. But, by the looks on the CHINAR kids faces, in that moment I could see they all felt like lottery picks, and that, at least for today, we had brought them that feeling.

Mission accomplished, but it’s just a start!

We are now looking to raise money to hire a part-time coach to work with the kids. Ultimately we would like to see a CHINAR basketball team to play in neighborhood games. We estimate it will cost $300 (USd) per month& if anyone is interested to donate please email Fozia directly and mention that it’s for CHINAR Basketball Coach Fund atfoziaqazi@gmail.com

JD

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Special thanks to : CHINAR Board Members, Shireen Qadri, Ifran Shahmiri and Fozia Qazi house mothers Silshada, Shahzada, Igbal, Mustifa, Sayoni from Scholastic Books (Delhi) who have offered to build a library for the house! Richard Epstein, of New York, NY for his generous donation of basketball books and videos. My sidekick Coach, Jay Menon and the Burn Hall school and staff and the CHINAR KIDS! Please remember in thoughts and prayers. Javid, Mohmad, Growhar, Tahir, Arif, Nazir, Fahir, Sajad, Muneeb, Imtiyaz, Nayeem, Mudasir, Saleem, Zubida, Norjhan, Rubeena, Ishrat, Bisma, Jabeen, Nusrat

May 4, 2007

Namaste from Pune, India! I am about 3hrs away from Mumbai (formerly known Bombay) and again, it never ceases to amaze me that people everywhere are basketball crazy!

My first day basically consisted of; adjusting to the heat, learning about the famous ‘Indian head shake’, “1000, how are you sirs?” , photographing the walkers in beautiful sarees, ‘Brad and Angelina were here gossip’ (Is there anywhere you can go in the world without that?), and avoiding small cabs driving on the wrong side of the road.

At first glance, workers were still painting the court lines at Fergusson College and in a few areas small gapping holes were present. I was told camp would be starting at 7 am to avoid the heat; rainy season is approaching, I was worried about a possible rainout.

Everyone was very nice but I began thinking this is a long way from Cole Field House as we cracked a coconut to bless the court – I was what wondering what was I getting myself into.

Then it happened, the DJ began to play incredible Hindi tracks; I formed ball handling line drills and this small outdoor playground (no different than something you might see at West 4th or Holcombe Rucker Park) transformed into a magical place. Starting with 80 players and coaches and finishing with around 200 total, basketball spirit is alive in Pune! I came to find out that many of the participants traveled by bus or train up to 20 hours (Many with no AC ) —I was determined to give my all.

Sixteen year old Sidd from Calcutta mentioned,“ I traveled over 2 days to arrive here, the trip was very boring—but the basketballs been great making it all worth it!

I was told this was the first basketball camp in India- ever!

The enthusiasm and desire is unwavering as day after day I proceeded to put the players; and, and even some coaches, to the strenuous regimen. Daily, I began to notice slight improvements; one player started dribbling better, another shoot with more precise form, one coach taking more initiative.

Eventually, we started to dance.

The coaches, determined to learn basketball and a transition offense. It took about 3 hours from chalkboard to courtside. Slow at first, but eventually the Deccan Club team and event organizers of Apoorv Sontakke, Omkar Kadam, Amit Ambedkar, Ajinkya Mehta, and Ganesh Bagade began to pick it up.

As the days went on, I became more intrigued with India and I think India with me. We received write -ups in all major Indian papers.

It did not take long to spot the anxious nature of the Indian press and fans. During our first day press conference, the first question presented was, “How long do you think it will take India to be able to compete with Team USA?” Extremely ambitious considering I was told that only 7-8 indoor courts exist in India and the average height is at least 5 inches smaller.

Although my answer was, “Not anytime soon”, I think America should watch out- I can clearly remember answering these same questions in 2002 during my first trips to China — a country that possesses demographics, ambition, and potential talent pool. As you may know, China’s rise in the basketball world in the past decade has been remarkable–already placing 3 players in the NBA, and preparing for a hi first round selection this year.

I sat very humbled as I was given the highest VIP honor and public thank you and assembly acknowledgement by the Mayor Rajlaxmi Bhosale, the Deputy Mayor, Professor Vikas Mathkari Leader of Opposition of Pune Municipal Corporation, Vivek Mehta of the Maharashtra State Basketball Association, and other esteemed guests at the municipal official courtroom.

Afterwards I was asked to sit beside the Leader of Opposition as he conducted daily city business– this is considered highest honor. I was blown away.

The interesting thing to me is that although the culture is different and many more speaking “ Maharati“ a Hindi dialect – the language remains the same.

A special thank you to city of Pune for showing so much love!

Next stop : KASMIR
I am excited to travel next week to travel to CHINAR (an orphanage in Sriniger, Kashmir).

Here we are working on a three-year program to recruit, hire and train a full time coach. Build a court and hopefully, create a team that can play games in Indian and Pakistan.

The objective is to aid in the psychosocial rehabilitation and reeducation process of the CHINAR youth who have extended an invitation for me to work with orphaned youth misaligned through conflict.

It is an immense challenge, as many of these youth have never played basketball before! And many do not speak English either, so please wish us luck. If anyone would like to contribute to the CHINAR orphanage pleas check out www.chinar.org.

It takes only $65 a month to house and educate a youth.

See you all again real soon!

JD

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This JDBASKETBALL happening is part of US Department of State Sports Programming Initiative with institutional partner George Mason University.

Delhi, Kolkata

The Park Hotel and Delhi YMCA, Rajeev and Ramesh in the 5star class suits looking like hi rollers! — To the infamous Mr. P.M. John, — Sagar, Ayesha the Bengali and Delhi hoop lovers, little Buddah and the Bengal Club, this trip enjoyed rediscoveries and many new friends along the way. They are all in my heart and I take their memories with me on my journey.

The photos of the programs/ trip can be found here: www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india

The only casualty of the trip was a few missed taxis’s, a reserved but unpaid air ticket and a pair of broken glass frames, that happened during one of the drills. Hmm, I wonder how that happened . . . Coach? ? ?

It was also the first time in my (almost 4 years) and 150_+ days of clinics in India, I brought along a couple of friends.

Craig Esherick (Former Head coach at Georgetown University) and Dr. Bob Baker (Head of sports Management at George Mason University came and did great job. Showing them MY India gave me immense pleasure, its always-fun watch how the Indian players and coaches respond!

I even met the famous Indian singer, Usha Uthup – now that is an amazing woman!

Some Indian TV love:

Newly appointed by President Obama, The US Ambassador to India, Timothy Roemer dropped in unexpectedly and took part in the drills then gave impromptu chat to the kids. His message to the youth was to dream big!

The Ambassador even mentioned (unbeknownst to me) that his three kids had been to one of my camps and loved it! I was surprised and humbled for sure!

A lot more in store for the next month, so stay tuned!

Clearly, I am having a hard time distinguishing where is home these days, as they say in India – I am here, only.

I could write more, but videos can tell a million words out these trip hi-lites:

TED

DELHI

cleamons, gaurav

KOKATA

BOMBAY

Our friend JD was recently at the FIBA Asian Championship where he caught up with Vinod Muthukumarwho is a passionate fan of Indian Basketball. Vinod, who is a businessman by profession, is associated with organizing basketball events in India, announcing at events as well as commentating on TV. He is the man with the golden words as JD says! Let’s hear what Vinod had to say to JD:

JD – Tell us a bit about yourself?

Vinod Muthukumar – I have my own business but Basketball is my passion, so I am everywhere in India where there is Basketball!

JD – So tell me what are you doing at FIBA Asia?

Vinod Muthukumar – I am basically a part of the organizing team, helping with the teams’ accommodation. Chiefly, I am here as the main announcer of the teams as well as giving commentary on TV.

JD – So you are the man with the golden words!

Vinod Muthukumar – You can say so, yes!

JD- Well, I have seen you associated with a lot of Basketball events. What do you feel about Basketball in India? Is it growing and does it have potential?

Vinod Muthukmar – There is potential but at the same time there has to be some kind of system in place so that the younger players get a chance to improve. But with the under-16 Championships in place, I think it’s a good way forward and you know this under-16 team can perform in the next 4 years coming through the under-18 team and then in the women’s section. So, they will gain a lot of international exposure.

JD – What do you think about the tournament so far?

Vinod Muthukumar – The tournament has been good and the tougher games are just starting today. The earlier part was a little drab but with the semi-finals and finals coming up lets hope that they are as exciting as the NBA Finals!

JD – One of the missions of JD Basketball is to make the world a better place through Basketball. Tell me hat do you feel about using sports as a tool to achieve world peace?

Vinod Muthukumar – It’s a great tool, you can take the example of Cricket. India and Pakistan have been at a war since 1947 but when India and Pakistan are on the ground playing cricket it is the most exciting moment ever. Similarly, we have 12 Asian teams out here so, you learn about the cultures of other teams as well. So, it is a good idea to promote world peace through sports.

JD – That’s great, thank you so much for doing an interview with us. See you around!

Vinod Muthukumar – Thanks JD!

So that was Vinod Muthukumar, Keedas. He is quite an inspiration for the passionate fan. Let’s all get involves with Indian sports and Basketball in particular and make sure Basketball becomes as huge as Cricket in India and make JD’s dream of spreading Basketball and consequently world peace a reality.  Inform us know how you found this interview. Enjoy :)

Edited by Anshu Prasad

Pullela Gopichand is an Indian Badminton legend.

He won the All England Open Badminton Championships in 2001 defeating Chen Hong of China in the finals by 15-12,15-6. He became the second Indian to achieve this feat after Prakash Padukone, who won it in 1980. He was awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award for the year 2000-2001. In the year 2002, he refused to endorse a soft drink major as it meant that he would be encouraging people to consume a product which he himself thought was unsafe. In 2005, he was awarded the Padma Shri.

Now, he runs the Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderbad. He is now a greatly renowned coach who is the main force behind the emergence of new star in Indian Badminton Saina Nehwal.

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

JD: Hi Gopi, Tell me a bit about your academy?

Gopichand – Hi guys, well we started this about a year and a half ago in Hyderabad and it was with the intention that we have this world class facility in our city so that all our players don’t have to leave and go abroad. They could train here in one place. We have had amazing results over the last few years and hopeful with the Academy doing well, i think more kids will get inspired. We have players like Saina, Kashyap, Guru and a lot of youngsters who have been doing well in the international events. I hope there are more kids coming from our country and doing well internationally.

JD – Can you tell us a little bit about some of the championships which have been played here in the past?

Gopichand – We have been very fortunate because we have been able to hold in 2004 which was then this facility was just starting the Asian Championships which we conducted here. Post that we have had Yonex Sunrise India Open which was like a Grand Prix tournament. Last year we had the biggest tournament in the World , the World Championships. So pretty big names have come over here.

JD - That is awesome! What do you love about Badminton so much?

Gopichand – Well, It is a sport which has given me everything which I have today. And also the fact that as a a country, i believe, we can be good at Badminton. Most Indians have a physique which is suited for Badminton and gives us an opportunity to do well. Badminton is a great sport and also for a country like India we have a lot of scope and a lot of people can play this sport. It is indoor and just two people can play it and now we have the tradition of having good badminton players from India

JD: That’s really exciting and i think Indian sport has just taken off. It’s a lot of fun to watch some of these sports we do not play in America and learn about those sports. It was really exciting to watch a match at St. Stephens College in New Delhi. The last question, i am going to ask you is about world peace and sports. How do you feel is sports a good vehicle for World Peace?

Gopichand – I think as a nation India has always been peace loving but definitely not a sporting nation! But over the years, i am getting convinced that Sport can be a real vehicle to join communities and bind people together because you have to respect come from the fact that you are so competitive within a set of rules. Sport is a legal way of getting your aggression out. Sports allows people and communities to get together. People respect others with different views. That’s very important for world peace. Attending conferences and signing documents is not as effective as sports as sports is what brings our spirit out. That’s what sport means to me and that’s what sport can do for one’s spirit.

JD- That is great! Thank you so much for your time and we hope more world champions can come from you academy in the future. We look forward to big things from Gopichand and all the Olympian and World Champion Badminton players coming out of here!

All of you Keedas who are more interested in Gopichand’s Badminton School can log on to http://www.pgba.in/index.html . Enjoy and pour in with your support to Gopichand guys and gals. SportsKeeda thanks JD Walsh and Gopichand :)

Edited by Anshu Prasad