PYL coaches ready to test the Pacific’s future stars

SOUTHPORT – FIBA is set to host the first ever Pacific Youth Leaders (PYL) Basketball Camp in September later this year.

The Pacific’s rising talent between the ages of 17-20 will be put through a rigorous training program of elite basketball activities whilst also participating in a youth development program to teach them some valuable life lessons. The coaches responsible for challenging the Pacific’s next Youth Leaders are Carrie Graf, Phil Smyth and Mthoko Madonda.

FIBA.com was lucky enough to sit down with Former WNBA and Australian Opals Head Coach Carrie Graf.

In 2004, Graf coached the Phoenix Mercury in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), in 2007 and 2008 she was named the Australian Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Coach of the Year, 2008/09 season WNBL championship-winning head coach and in 2010 she became the winningest WNBL coach in league history.

Graf coaching the Australia Women's National Team the Opals

"The opportunity for me to work with the best basketball athletes in the pacific is a unique one for me,” said Graf. "I'm truly looking forward to sharing my basketball experiences and knowledge with the athletes, while learning about their culture."

Graf offered a bit of advice to the young athletes attending the camp in September.

"As coaches, we are keen to work with athletes who come ready to learn, to work hard, and to be part of something special."

Accompanying Graf is four-time Olympian, former Australian Boomers Coach, three-time Australian National Basketball League (NBL) championship-winning player with the Canberra Cannons and three-time championship-winning head coach of the NBL's Adelaide 36ers, Phill Smyth.

Smyth also sat down with FIBA.com to shed some light on what attracted him to get involved with the PYL Basketball Camp.

Smyth during a timeout with the Adelaide 36ers

“I am really looking forward to working with young elite athletes,” commented Smyth. “This is a terrific opportunity to help these players develop their game and skills. I am very much looking forward to observing the athletes develop both as people and players.”

Smyth hopes that the athletes “come to camp with an open mind, try to absorb as much information as they can and aren’t afraid to ask questions.”

The goal of the PYL camp is to not only help these young athletes improve their skills on the court but also learn crucial social and life skills.

FIBA has enlisted the services of Mthokozisi Madonda, founder of Reach Sports Management and consultant for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation to facilitate the social development portion of the camp.

Madonda has over 15 years experience in the sports for development field. He has represented the South African Men's national basketball team in the African Championships, All Africa Games and Commonwealth Games.

Madonda during his time in Fiji with FIBA's Hoops for Health program

“I am extremely passionate about young people and sports,” Madonda told FIBA.com. “The PYL camp combines my two greatest passions and its also working with an International Federation that's doing some interesting work in using sport  to promote a wide range of social issues.

Madonda had a message for the athletes to “enjoy the ride, be open to learning from each other and supporting each other. No matter how good the coaching staff are, if they are not open to the experiences they may not experience the most they can out of the experience.”

FIBA