J D Walsh conducting Basketball training camp

Pune, June 14 (UNI) World renowned coach John David Walsh today stressed the need to improve basic Basketball skills.

On his maiden visit to the city, Walsh has embarked on a programme to train young hoopsters at a four-day camp, which got underway at the Fergusson college courts here.

''I am not a magician but I will try to impart knowledge and technique and at the same time improve the skills of youngsters'', Walsh told reporters. The camp would cover all aspects of the game so that the players could enhance their careers. he added.

The Maharashtra State Basketball Association (MSBA) in association with Deccan Gymkhana Club have shortlisted 80 players from 333 affiliated district units and 35 coaches to train at the camp under the American coach.

Apart from the field training, Walsh will be using the black board to impart knowledge of the game. Being the founder of JD Walsh Basketball School in New York, he has come with a missionary zeal to share the knowledge with the kids throughout the world. He said Basketball has been a part of American culture and the youngsters try and make it a career. In contrast, the game in India has been popular but there is a big disparity concering the international standards, Walsh added.

MSBA Treasurer Vivek Mehta and Deccan Gymkhana secretary for basketball Shantunu Pawar, who made Walsh's trip possible, said that efforts will be made to bring him every year to better the lot of hoopsters of the state.

UNI