The Rondo Routine - Boston Celtic holds hoops clinic in Manila

Boston Celtic Rajon Rondo made the trip to the Ronac basketball court in San Juan, to show off, and then teach, some of the moves and skills of an NBA champion point guard, to a captive audience of some of the country's best high school and college players, Tuesday, in an event presented by Red Bull. Some of the players involved in the clinic were brothers Kiefer (ADMU) and Thirdy Ravena (AHS), Kevin Alas of Letran, Baser Amer of San Beda, Nate Matute of JRU, and Jett Vidal of Perpetual Help. Rondo came onto the court after the participants were done with their warm-up and stretching exercises. Rondo was assisted by Philippine National Team head coach Chot Reyes, who was fresh from leading Smart-Gilas II to the Jones Cup title, Ateneo head coach Norman Black, Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texter Jimmy Alapag, and Alaska Ace Tony dela Cruz. The NBA All-Star and one-time NBA Champion showed the participants how to dribble, pass, and make baskets properly. Rondo wowed the crowd with his dribbling skills even if he was clearly performing way below his capacity. As the clinic was going on, Rondo pulled aside some of the players to share some pointers on how to improve their game. The group was divided into two squads to compete against each other. Rondo’s group, which was mostly composed of high school players, lost four straight challenges to the other team bannered by the older Ravena, Amer, and Alas. As a consequence, Rondo’s team, including himself and coach Norman Black had to drop down for a total of 36 push-ups. “I’m an LA Lakers fan but I have a lot of respect for Rondo,” said Alas. “I want to be as consistent as he is. Even though he isn’t scoring, he’ll be getting rebounds and dishing out assists.” Reigning UAAP MVP Rayray Parks also attended the event although he didn’t join the clinic. “I hope I can get pointers on how to run the pick and roll the way Rondo does,” Parks said. “But I really hope I get the chance to play him one-on-one,” he added while letting out a quick laugh. Other collegiate players who attended the event were Ateneo’s Nico Salva, Nico Elorde, and Juami Tiongson, and brothers Jeron (DLSU) and Jeric Teng (UST). A bunch of PBA players also attended the event such as Rain or Shine’s Gabe Norwood, Meralco’s Chris Ross and Sol Mercado, and Air21’s Rob Reyes. Asked about the chances of seeing a Filipino in the NBA someday, Rondo answered that he thinks there is a definite possibility. “You have to believe it mentally before you achieve it,” Rondo said. “You may be small and you may come from another country but if you have talent, the NBA will find you.” - AMD, GMA News