In a strong stride toward strengthening grassroots basketball across the country, SBP Zone 7 coaches Mark Jomalesa and John Imperio became the first participants of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Inc. (SBP) Pilot Program for Coaches Development, to be held in Metro Manila on May 9–10.
The program is spearheaded by respected professional basketball mentor and PBA’s NLEX Road Warriors current head coach Joseph Enrique “Jong” Uichico, who aims to equip coaches with essential knowledge, modern teaching methods, and foundational strategies that can be applied at all levels of the game.
More than just improving tactics, the pilot program reinforces SBP’s belief that the future of Philippine basketball begins with well-trained, well-guided, and player-centered coaches, especially in the grassroots levels, a press release said.
The initiative reflects the priority of SBP President Victorico “Ricky” Vargas and SBP Chairman Manny Pangilinan to strengthen basketball development in the entire country – ensuring that progress is not concentrated solely in Metro Manila, but is equally accessible to provinces and regions where talent continues to thrive. By investing in coach education and capacity-building across different zones, the federation is reinforcing its commitment to create a truly nationwide system where every community has the opportunity to develop its own players, coaches, technical officials, and programs, regardless of location.
According to Uichico, this program encourages coaches to go back to the basics. He also emphasizes the priority is always the development of the player before structure and the pursuit of winning.
The two-day in-person training covers both classroom discussions and in-court sessions, featuring vital topics such as Teaching Development, Skills Development, Culture Development, and Coach Behavior, along with practical lessons on practice structure, safety environment, communication, and managing different types of learners.
Among the key highlights of the program is the emphasis on small-sided games, which Uichico describes as “the best teacher,” helping young athletes learn through repetition, decision-making, and real-game situations.
Participants also gain insights into the coaching process itself – from Introduction to Coaching to learning how to effectively deliver content, ensuring players not only hear instruction but also experience it through demonstration and engagement.
In addition to the in-person training, the coaches will join a two-hour online theoretical lecture via Google Meet on May 7–8, allowing participants to prepare ahead of the Manila sessions and maximize learning time on the court.
Uichico is joined by fellow mentors and respected basketball educators, including Coach Russell Raypon, Senior Consultant of Coach Jong Basketball Consultancy, and Coach Kalvin Kiel Sangalang, Basketball Coaches Association Secretary General and SBP Coaches Academy Clinician.
This initiative is part of the SBP’s broader commitment to strengthen its nationwide presence and ensure that programs reach communities at the provincial and regional levels. Under the leadership of SBP Executive Director Erika Caitlin T. Dy, the federation continues to invest in sustainable long-term development by recognizing that strengthening local coaching systems is one of the most powerful ways to uplift the sport.
Through this pilot program, coaches will not only gain advanced training but will also serve as “multipliers” in their communities, bringing the knowledge and best practices back home by conducting local clinics and sharing lessons with fellow coaches in their respective areas.
SBP Zone 7 Director Tony Agustin expressed his deep gratitude to SBP, Executive Director Dy, and Coach Uichico for the opportunity, emphasizing the significance of being among the first regions selected to participate.
“This is more than just an invitation – it is a recognition of the potential of our region and the importance of developing our coaches,” Agustin said. “We are truly grateful because this opportunity will create a ripple effect. What our coaches learn in Manila will be shared with many others back home, and that will directly benefit our young athletes. It is an honor for Zone 7 to be trusted as one of the pilot participants, and we are excited to help carry this program forward in our local communities.”
With programs like this, SBP continues to demonstrate its commitment to building a stronger future for Philippine basketball – starting where it matters most: with the coaches who shape young players, inspire discipline, and develop the next generation of champions.*
