Teamwork
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2009
Andrea: Oh! Today the kids remembered the drills from yesterday. We also introduced new and more challenging drills today. We taught them about teamwork through team drills. We focused on rebounding, and of course the kids did our famous push-ups. In general they did very well today.
My advice to the Bahraini girls is that despite some of the cultural restrictions that may limit women's participation in basketball, that they should still strive to succeed as college and professional basketball players. I want to give them hope and be a positive role model. I've seen that the girls are willing to work and willing to work hard to get to the level they are now, and I'm willing to come back to Bahrain to continue their participation in basketball.
The girls in the camp really impress me with their fundamentals and knowledge of basketball. It is obvious that they really want to play and to improve their game. My advice to them is to keep their heads held high, to keep trying, to keep pushing themselves, and to never give up on their dream.
Jerome: Today's drills were not only about teamwork, but we also focused more on the rewards of hard work. We are trying to teach the kids that by being willing to work hard will make the whole team better. We also gave the coaches a number of comprehensive drills that they can work on with the kids once Andrea and I leave.
On a personal level, I really think that yesterday we were really able to connect with the kids. Today we were able to maintain that same level of energy and intensity, and I think this illustrates how important this program is. To me, coming to Bahrain and sharing our love of basketball with these children is the most important part of this trip, because this experience won't be forgotten. Four years from now, I believe that these kids will remember that Jerome Williams (Junk Yard Dog) and Andrea Stinson were here in Bahrain helping them improve their games and their lives - I know that I will. That is why we are here -- because we hope to leave a lasting legacy of goodwill through basketball. We want to show that Americans care about their fellow citizens throughout the world.
I've already told them about the importance of hard work and always giving 110 percent. The other advice I hope to impress upon them is to be a good person. I want the kids to understand that if they want to be a leader, they have to lead by example -- to show people how to interact with others and how to respect other cultures. To get respect, you have to give respect.
What I hope the kids take away from this is that I was a good role model for them. It's very important. I hope they consider me to be a good person and take these lessons and apply them to their own lives - on the basketball court and off it.