NBA Legend Muggsy Bogues to visit Philippines for 2013 Jr. NBA Presented by Alaska

(Image courtesy of NBA Asia)

Tyrone Curtis “Muggsy” Bogues, who at 5’3” is the shortest player ever to play in the NBA, will visit the Philippines from April 26 – 28 to participate in the 2013 Jr. NBA presented by Alaska National Training Camp. Bogues will be in Manila to help coach participants from all over the country vying for a spot on the Jr. NBA All-Star Team.

“I have heard many wonderful things about the Filipinos’ passion for the game of basketball and I am looking forward to my first visit to the country,” said Bogues. “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share my skills and knowledge with all the Jr. NBA participants that have worked so hard for their spots at the National Training Camp.”

Bogues will join Jr. NBA Head Coach Sefu Bernard and PBA Legend Jojo Lastimosa of the Alaska Aces to help run the National Training Camp. Bogues will also conduct NBA Cares activities in Metro Manila. He is the fourth NBA Legend to be part of the Jr. NBA Philippines Program, following BJ Armstrong, AC Green, and Luc Longley.

Drafted No. 12 in 1987 by the Washington Bullets, now Washington Wizards, Bogues eventually joined the Charlotte Hornets, and still remains the career leader in minutes played, assists and steals for the team. Bogues was also a member of the U.S. National Team that won the FIBA World Championships in 1986.

The National Training Camp is the culmination of the 2013 Jr. NBA presented by Alaska program, providing the top 50 participants an opportunity to train with and compete against their peers. The top 50 were selected from more than 1,000 participants from regional selection camps in Lucena, Dagupan, Davao, and the NCR, as well as the Alaska Power Camps.

At the end of the three-day camp, the top 10 players will be named to the Jr. NBA All-Star Team and will be rewarded with a unique NBA experience, including the opportunity to play against a Jr. NBA team from another country. Campers will also participate in life skills session which teach the Jr. NBA S.T.A.R. values of Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.

In addition to presenting partner Alaska Powered Milk Drink, official partners include the NBA’s Official Sports Drink Gatorade, Unilever’s flagship brands Rexona and Master, as well as new league partner Phoenix Petroleum. Returning as Jr. NBA Supporting Partners are KFC and Spalding. Official NBA broadcasters are Basketball TV, NBA Premium TV and Studio 23. Jr. NBA is also supported by the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP).

Official Press Release courtesy of NBA Asia and Larc&Asset PR.