Some of Wyndham’s budding young basketballers had the chance to shoot hoops alongside South East Melbourne Phoenix star, Mitch Creek, on Wednesday night.
The former NBA player and Boomers representative conducted one of his Wolfpack Basketball coaching clinics at Point Cook Secondary College.
Creek began the coaching clinics just prior to the start of the current NBL season and said they were designed to teach basketball fundamentals that some junior players miss.
“Foundation skill development is the most essential parts of a basketball game that I think young boys and girls and they and thems need to understand to be able to play at the next level,” he said.
“We’re talking about controlling the basketball so it’s safe from the defender, being able to manipulate two basketballs at the same time without looking, the correct way to shoot the basketball, correct footwork, distance and space in one on one moves and the ability to beat a defender one on one with simple, effective moves.”
Along with physical skills, Creek said the sessions also focus on the mental side of the game too.
“I do think we don’t talk about the mental and physical aspects combined,” he said.
“It flows in a direct lineage of mental health equals performance. Like if you have great mental health, you’re aware of yourself, the people around you, you typically influence yourself and others to have a great performance and great outcomes.”
Horsham born Creek has been taking Wolfpack Basketball across rural and regional areas, but Wednesday night was his first time in Wyndham.
He said there was great potential for basketball in the area.
“I do think that it could definitely be a hub for a high performance centre, especially in the northwest.”
