JDBASKETBALL 'Dialogue for mankind'

Indian Basketball Adventures continue…. Savio Cup

2011-02-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

Indian Basketball Adventures continue…. Savio Cup

First off, what can I say, I love Bombay basketball! The atmosphere, the characters, the movement.

While we were running around Dharavi, down the road in Matunga at Don Bosco was the 6th annual Savio Cup.

How can I not love the community that houses the same crew that was there on my first Bombay clinic August in 2007.

This is the fourth straight year I have made it to the prestigious Savio Cup @ Don Bosco School. There’s nothing like an Indian on stilts trying to dunk a basketball and 12 yr old kids trying their best Bollywood impressions to a Punjabi background beat. Divinity works in amazing ways!

The basketball is ever improving and it was a great tournament and in the end it was Indian Railways — the best team in India – coached by arguably the best coach in India Ram Kumar and best young player in India, Vishesh Bhriguvanshi who beat the makeshift American team (lead by 43 year old Marathon man, David Jones) in an exciting game. The womans side was taken by who else but, Southern Railways Geethu Anna Jose + friends.

How can you not love a community that talks all week about the Sunday morning game (that I finally came out of retirement and made an appearance too). Joining me was the same crew that was there on my first Bombay clinic August in 2007.

It was nice to see all the old friends and some new.

Father Crispini, Father Bosco, MV, Harish, the Sunday Morning Don Bosco Crew, Vinod, Minoj, Aparna, Babo, AB, Govind, Prashant, NBA’s Troy Justice and Akash Jain, Jai, and of course, the effervescent Ms. Malini! (Sorry if I missed anyone!)

India basketball

2011-02-25T11:58:00.001-08:00

DHARAVI

The energy in Dharavi is intoxicating, people moving, working, running, recycling, climbing, and building – the colors and smells swarm and take you in. Two boys with paper bags over their heads (and eyes and mouth cut out) jumped down off a wall and said – na na na na na na na na Batman! Its such a vibrant community of over 1million people, it breaks my heart to see there is no play station for the kids. That wall and a few recycle bins is all they have.

Finally after 3 ½ years of trying to find a way to appease a sponsor to build a basketball court for us, Jockin and I were excited to find our project finalists for an Architecture for Humanity grant award. If we win, we will have the capital to build a court and start a trust to ensure a play station and conduct daily basketball training for the youth.

It was thru this dream turn effort, I found myself scouting spaces and scurring around the Dharavi community with A4H’s Michael Jones who came in from San Francisco.

We are still in midst of coming to find out if we win, so a million (+ 1 ) fingers are crossed!

To learn more about this endeavor please click here:

MIzoram Basketball

2010-11-18T17:54:00.000-08:00

I had this conversation about 10 times before I left.
“So, JD. Where are you going next?”
me: “Mizoram (AHM)”
“wheere? “
me: “Mizor (AHM)”
“wheere?”
me: “Mizor(ahm) – Northeast India – near Assam and Bangladesh, one of the seven sisters, you need a special visa for tourists – Mizoram” …
“Oh…Mizoram (IM) … you mean MizorIMMMM…. Its very, very beautiful there! “
Me: “Really, have you been there?”
“No, no. I have never been there exactly, but I am sure it is very, very beautiful and amazing. It is safe now, only. You are lucky! What are you doing there?”
Me: “Basketball”
“Why? Do they play basketball there? A lot of mountains and goats.”
Me: “I guess I am going to find out!” (Goats????)
I first met KC when I conducted a program at Sports Authority of India (For US Department of State), NSINIS in Patiella where he was studying to become a basketball coach. Thanks to the facebookization of India, he continually kept asking for me to visit his city. As life happens, I bumped into KC and his Mizoram gang at the Jr. National Championships in Vashi, New Mumbai. I had time between programs in New Delhi so I packed and got ready for the adventure.
I was the first foreigner coach Mizoram Basketball Association ever invited.
After a 10-hour trip from Delhi to Calcutta to Aziwal (with a stop in Assam, remind me to blog on the old Delhi domestic India Air airport on another day – if you can AVOID the 7am flight out of this terminal- DO IT!) I was greeted at the airport with smiles and red roses. We went to register at the visitor booth and at security departure and off we embarked on the 50km route thru the ‘Blue Mountain” to Arizawl.
Large mountains consumed the backdrops and primitive bamboo homes were the in front. I saw little arms and legs draped outside wrapped blankets on the backs of the women as they worked. Young children were playing off the highway — it worried me they were in harms way. I kept thinking, where am I?
The mountains were truly breathtaking and it was refreshing to see there no Ashrams, or westerns walking around in maroon robes, no 7 star Oberois, no McDonalds, and no Thomas Friedman’s — there world here is still ROUND and I suspect remain unchanged for a long time. I kept thinking where am I ?
During the drive, host Charla was singing the Beatles “long and windy road” when Mala’s cell phone would ring (that like every 2 minutes) ring tone Kanye West “stronger” as we rode the windy roads. I kept thinking where am I?
The topography changed distinctly as I entered into the city limits.
Aizwal, Mizarom reminds me of Srinagar, Kashmir — a bit Swiss Family Robinesque; a city nestled in the mountains. All of the homes were built are vertical into the mountainside.
I had seen the Dhala Lama the week before and naive to Northeast India, and had grandiose visions of stumbling into some Buddhist Monks hooping in some sacred grounds (and me calling ‘next’.) Interestingly enough though, 95% of the people in Mizoram are Christian. Christian bookstores and churches were in every 360-degree view.
The Mizos (Mi= People, Zo= Hill) do not speak Hindi- just Mizo and English and its not Bollywood films they enjoy — it’s Korean!
Mizoram is very different than any I have traveled to in India. I saw no one dressed in kurta, very few Hindu statues or banners with politician’s faces. Very Few cars honked as they sat in traffic. It is the # 2 most literate state in India and a dry state. The Mizos have an Asian type look and are very up to date with American fashion and music.

According to WIKIPEDIA:
The origin of the Mizos, like those of many other tribes in the northeastern India, is shrouded in mystery. The generally accepted view is that they are of Mongol descents and were part of a great wave of migration from China and later moved out to India to their present habitat. It is possible that the Mizos came from Sinlung or Chhinlungsan located on the banks of the Yalung River in China, first settled in the Shan State and moved on in the middle of the 16th century to Kabaw Valley, Khampat, Tahan and the Chin Hills. The earliest Mizos who migrated to India were known as Kukis. Mizo history in the 18th and 19th century.
As we started to drive into town, what I saw amazed me… Kids dribbling basketballs up a huge hill. Hmm, wow must be a fluke – 8 separate instances – ball in hand. Kids rocking Boston Celtics Book bags, Celtic sweatshirts, Celtics hats 0 — wow the ghost of red Aurbach? Who could have predicted a traffic jam taking over in hour in such a small town?
Learn a new culture! BTW they eat dogs and fried frogs here as a delicacy (no I did not try….) A lot of hilly walks, the traffic is so bad here – best to take a two wheeler – um, down THAT hill? The shower had hot water for like 18 seconds (and it took me two days to figure out how to get it started) but after the Westerness rubbed off I realized — this place is AMAZING! India always brings me back to a sense of humanness.
After a short respite in a modest hotel – with amazing chai (some of the best in India!) We hit to the courts.

What I found was what the Mizos lacked in height, they gained in endurance and speed. There basketball were worn, there shoes were worn – these guys loved to play! Unlike all my India stops, I can see from the initial ball handling drills they have seen them all before and the have been practicing.
One guy even wore a St. Mary’s practice jersey – at St. John the Baptist they were in our league and we hated them – how on earth did he get that?

For a coach it’s exciting to watch new players work so hard, I watched them go thru the sessions, learning smiling but taking the game very serious. We conducted four days of training/ promotion here. Most of the training was completed large group skill work – and 2 classes just for coaches. Each day we got up about 200 shots, and worked on important fundamentals such as jump stop, pivoting and balance. By the end, we had put in a triangle type offense and a few new plays. I trained the coaches on what to look for, how to explain certain drills and we had long talks on basketball philosophy and India basketball. I was happy with the improvement – -I think the Mizo coaches were too!
As most teams run none here in India, we did a Skype call with legendary NBA head coach, Don Casey – who gets big kudos for an early AM San Diego wake time. Besides being a great teacher – he loves the game.
One of the most memorable parts of the program was on the last evening, the Mizoram basketball Association held an entertainment night. Three Mizo celebrities (Mami Varte, Mimi Renthlei and Michael M Sailo -5 year old boy!) came out and sang and rapped for us and about 250 school children. That was fun.
I was touched as all the guys drove me out to the airport, and was intrigued to hear they guys talk about the political/social/economic relationship between Mizoram and India.

The Mizo code of ethics or dharma focused on “Tlawmngaihna“, an untranslatable term meaning that it was the obligation of all members of society to be hospitable, kind, unselfish, and helpful to others. Tlawmngaihna to a Mizo stands for that compelling moral force which finds expression in self-sacrifice for the service of others. The old belief, Pathian, is still used to mean God. Mizos often gather together to help in disaster management like landslides or famine. – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mizoram
My guests were the true example of TLAWMNGAIHNA!
THANK YOU!
Chalroranga (Charlo), Malssuimzuala (Mala), K.C. Lallianthuango (KC), H. Laldinsanga (Marvin), Lalruatfela (Arfela), Big Guy, & Lalrina Renthlei

jdBASKETBALL and George Mason Return to India to with Raise Cultural Awareness through Basketball

2010-04-05T03:25:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 5, 2010

jdBASKETBALL and George Mason Return to India to with Raise Cultural Awareness through Basketball

MUMBAI, India, April 5, 2010—Three American coaches, including two George Mason University faculty members are returning to India as part of a U.S. Department of State Sports Initiative grant and cultural exchange program. Aimed at developing awareness of basketball in the country, JD Walsh, founder, jdBASKETBALL, Robert Baker, associate professor of sport management, and Craig Esherick, assistant professor of sport management, will hold combined coaching clinics and youth basketball camps throughout India. The trip is funded by an International Sports Initiative grant.

The grant, awarded through the SportsUnited Division of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, will fund a multi-part plan meant to provide a formative experience in the lives of participating Indian boys and girls. During this trip clinics and camps will be held in Chennai (April 7-10) with Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu and Bangalore (April 11-14) with Basketball Federation of India Men’s Senior National Team. Walsh, Baker and Esherick will provide direct instruction, cross-cultural exchanges and hands-on experiences for players, coaches and league administrators that will not only enhance skill development, but also broaden participants’ understanding of diverse cultures.

“The fact that the State Department has a program for grants to use sport on an international cultural exchange and development basis is recognition of sport as a cultural connection,” says Baker, who is also the director of Mason’s Center for Sport Management. “Our intent is to take the best practices of basketball leadership in the U.S. to India.”

Baker and Esherick have partnered with J.D. Walsh, a former college basketball player and coach who is also the founder of jdBASKETBALL. Having worked extensively in China and India, Walsh has traveled throughout India in the last three years teaching basketball, operating clinics and developing the sport. “Basketball has a unique way of connecting people together. I feel the game resonates with everyday beat of India and dance. Learning about the Indian people and exposure into the Indian heart has become my life’s work, and I am happy to be part of this program to expose more to this program.

During the clinics, the trio will teach fundamental basketball skills to Indian youth while simultaneously exposing them to American culture through the basketball experience. Coaches and administrators will learn how to run and market successful basketball leagues and clinics in India while coaches are also taught various instruction methods. The exciting tour will hilite the trio working with ndia’s Men’s Senior National Team in Bangalore and Head Coach Alexander Bucan.

“Basketball has become wildly popular all over the globe,” says Esherick, who was an assistant coach and scout for the 1988 U.S. Olympic basketball team. “We have a chance to help popularize basketball in a country that has not yet wrapped its arms around this sport. Our trip is also a great opportunity to exchange ideas about coaching all sports as well as to discuss best practices in sport management.”

Baker, Esherick and Walsh visited India in Nov. 2009, as the first part of the International Sports Initiative grant, holding clinics and camps in New Delhi and Kolkata. In New Delhi they were hosted by the New Delhi YMCA while in Kolkata the West Bengal Basketball Association hosted the trio. This time the group will be working with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu while in Chennai. In Bangalore, they will work with the Basketball Federation of India, the National Team of India, the National Basketball Coach of India and various local schools and clubs.

While in New Delhi previously, the group was pleased to receive a visit from U.S. Ambassador to India, Timothy Roemer. Ambassador Roemer, whose children had participated in a clinic run by Walsh, played basketball with clinic participants and spoke to coaches and youth attending the clinic.

Baker, Esherick and Walsh have also identified 10 sports leaders to travel to the United States in summer 2010 to attend a Coaching Academy at Mason. During their time in Virginia, Indian coaches and administrators will receive instruction in sport management, participate in extensive interactive exchange with American sport officials and undertake an opportunity for coaching certification. They will stay in campus dormitories, learn from Mason faculty and take trips to various sporting facilities in the area.

About George Mason University
Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University—Where Innovation Is Tradition

About JD Walsh and jdBASKETBALL
John David ‘JD’ Walsh is a former University of Maryland basketball player and founder of JD Walsh Basketball School. jdBASKETBALL has operated in 10 countries on three continents, reaching more than 17,000 youth around the world. His ‘Hoops for Health’ project with Chinar.org, an orphanage in Kashmir, won the 2008 Ashoka Nike Gamechanger Award. Since 2007, JDBASKETBALL INDIA has worked with the Basketball Federation of India and eight state basketball associations to promote the game of basketball in India. In the past three years, jdBASKETBALL INDIA has conducted more than125 clinics in 13 cities to more than 6,000 Indian youth, including the 2009 National Junior Championship in Mumbai.

For more information please visit his web site at www.jdbasketball.com.

India basketball soft power diplomacy JDBASKETBALL

2009-11-30T02:41:00.001-08:00

Soft Power Diplomacy

I just finished another amazing India tour!

From TEDIndia conference to hooping it up around the subcontinent!

This JDBASKETBALL happening is part of US Department of State Sports Programming Initiative with institutional partner George Mason University.

Delhi, Kolkata

The Park Hotel and Delhi YMCA, Rajeev and Ramesh in the 5star class suits looking like hi rollers! — To the infamous Mr. P.M. John, — Sagar, Ayesha the Bengali and Delhi hoop lovers, little Buddah and the Bengal Club, this trip enjoyed rediscoveries and many new friends along the way. They are all in my heart and I take their memories with me on my journey.

The photos of the programs/ trip can be found here: www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india

The only casualty of the trip was a few missed taxis’s, a reserved but unpaid air ticket and a pair of broken glass frames, that happened during one of the drills. Hmm, I wonder how that happened . . . Coach? ? ?

It was also the first time in my (almost 4 years) and 150_+ days of clinics in India, I brought along a couple of friends.

Craig Esherick (Former Head coach at Georgetown University) and Dr. Bob Baker (Head of sports Management at George Mason University came and did great job. Showing them MY India gave me immense pleasure, its always-fun watch how the Indian players and coaches respond!

I even met the famous Indian singer, Usha Uthup – now that is an amazing woman!

Newly appointed by President Obama, The US Ambassador to India, Timothy Roemer dropped in unexpectedly and took part in the drills then gave impromptu chat to the kids. His message to the youth was to dream big!

The Ambassador even mentioned (unbeknownst to me) that his three kids had been to one of my camps and loved it! I was surprised and humbled for sure!

A lot more in store for the next month, so stay tuned!

Clearly, I am having a hard time distinguishing where is home these days, as they say in India – I am here, only.

I could write more, but videos can tell a million words out these trip hi-lites:

TED

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hybju8kb7EU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0nwBLknAxY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odY2gV1TjyA&feature=rec-LGOUT-real_rev-rn-HM

DELHI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMzFt7wx8_g

cleamons, gaurav

KOKATA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zpp5PzDcxvA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SFXBvbcbaE

BOM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pA7O8JubjM&feature=youtube_gdata

India basketball update 2009 Fall Tour

2009-10-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

again another incredible india update. . . .

another tour, another daily book of stories and incredible india happenings!

there is some divinity behind the mission, which is in the forefront sometimes,

my creativity and love of india basketball or something greater?

although there were many happenings, a few things that will stay in my mind forever:

the FIBA Asia Women’s championships, congratulations China basketball! (some of those women we coached against in 2002 with SAIS)

the kindness of Stephan David, SDAT in Chennai and Tamil Nadu — of which I already blogged. . .

the coolest uniforms in all of tamil nadu:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wz_HcXNktyU&feature=player_embedded

the famous cab driver videos. actually the fact that his English is better than my Hindi is something i am working hard to change!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnpYGbyEL1E

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vaHtBkWyg0

The warm welcome and speaking engagement with Extentia, Abhinav and the kindness of the folks at Persistence Dr. Srikanth and Anaand Deshponde

Looking for land in the jungle for a basketball court in undisclosed locations…

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1232349761266

an amazing story, by a passionate indian hoops lover – i did realize our chat was an interview for an article in Slam Mag:

http://www.slamonline.com/online/other-ballers/international/2009/10/breaking-old-habits/

Handing out awards at the Delhi College campionship and the New Delhi YMCA, a special thank you to Rajeev Singh.

Ramesh and crew taking me to my first Dusshera- and the sheer mass amount of people.

If you like to see all the Dushera photos and vids – take a go: www.facebook.com/jdwalsh

My three vists to Mr. Jockin in Dhavari Slums:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1233152981346&ref=mf

Trying to find a way to get these kids more recreation to promote healthy lifestyles..

Tennis lesson with Indian great Jasit Singh at Delhi Gymkhana, one of the most giving people I ever met.

Dinner with Satish Jha from OLPC

The Puja ceramony that I was allowed to tag- a-long too and some of the real indians i was able to interview:

Success of the programs in New Delhi and Mumbai, all the coaches who made the programs great: Barry, Brent, Poonam, Mohit, AB, Prashant, Madhu, Monica, and Tug

Lunch with the king of India Basketball and most passionite fan of basketball in India, Harish Sirma, the president BFI

The countless drivers, especially Maxwell from AES in New Delhi!

My friends and tailors at Michelle Boutique! Great job !

The kindness of Dharmendra and Digvijay at @Taj Mansingh, Apoorv and Ajinka – @Hotel Royalty and last – but not least Ilan – @Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Prashant

The Taj Hotel, standing in all her glory!

Dinner at the Lodi gardens, coffee at cafe Indigo, Hard Rock Cafe – Pune

The Italian play @humanity center and Puja afterwards….

Most of all:

All the the kids I met who love India basketball!

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1233169741765&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1227062709093&ref=mf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnwdFiMImro

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1227072069327&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1225577551965&ref=mf

And of course, all the love shown to me by the children and Salaam Bombay team at ‘The Biggest Diwali Party’ in Mumbai. I will never forget being part of the volunteers handing out 1500 diwali gifts. . . Thank you Padmini and Seema for including me…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZlLOOB8BsE

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1235969891767

THANK YOU INDIA for allowing me to make everyday in your beautiful country extraordinary.

I am back in the NYC now for about two weeks to speak at @Y2Y Conference @WorldBank but returning to the subcontinent, my second home on Nov 2 to attend @TEDIndia Conference in Mysore.

http://web.worldbank.org/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/TOPICS/EXTCY/EXTYTOYCOMMUNITY/0,,contentMDK:22267670~menuPK:5045461~pagePK:64168445~piPK:64168309~theSitePK:791591,00.html

http://conferences.ted.com/TEDIndia/

Of note, post TED, I am doing two more basketball clinics as part of US Department of State Sports Initiative Grant w/ Coach Craig Esherick (Former Georgetown U, Head Coach, US Olympic team Assistant) and Robert Baker (George Mason U)

We will be conducting clinics in two cities:

November 9-11 (New Delhi) w/ New Delhi YMCA

November 12-14 (Calcutta) w/ West Bengal Basketball Association

I am really excited to give back to India basketball part of our mission is in working with the Basketball Federation of India to select 10 coaches to bring to George Mason Universtiy for training in the summer of 2010, they will impliment and sustain a distance learning program

Please keep in touch, love to hear from you all!

–

www.jdbasketball.com / www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india

Chennai, oh my!

2009-09-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

Chennai, Oh my!

Nine days into my trip and just finished a clinic for the State Development Authority of Tamil Nadu. This being my fifth separate trip to Chennai, I am realizing the strong community involvement and commitment in the state for sports. The program was held outside of Nehru Stadium in Chennai where FIBA Asia is playing the women’s championships and the excitement of the tournament certainly tricked down into eighty or so teen aged boys and girls sporting new multi color uniforms. It is a special time here in India as we are between Eid, a Muslim holiday and Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights!

Theres no question, it was hot — pushing 95 or so degrees during the apex, luckily we started at 6:30am both days! We first worked on footwork and 3 on 3 pass/ screen away and eventually evolved to putting in the old Maryland ‘dead ball set’ – flex-type offense. Fortunately many of the coaches in attendance were present in April so this camp allowed for us to build upon my last Chennai clinic. The program went along smoothly until I tried to count to ten in Hindi during a drill (which is my basic extent of Hindi right now) and Coach Delmar said, they don’t understand Hindi or English- only Tamil! Also of note, later that session, I looked back to hear roars of laughter coming from about thirty yards away. Of course, I was the only one who it seemlingly surprised. It was laugh therapy after yoga — only in India!

After the program, I was given a special gold painted bling bling uber huge necklace (if anyone knows the name for this, please email or call me) to display (pictures to come) . The directors SDAT Senior Manager, Stephan David and Mary Rajathy, General Manager were present the entire time. Listening to them speak about the youth and their vision for sport in India was moving. It was also good to see the coaches again (especially Raja from JAIN School) , and I can honestly say they must be putting the time is because the player skill level is certainly rising! Yes, there is hope for the next generation!

The FIBA Asia women’s championships have provided some great games for us spectators. Chennai put in a brand new floor for the event, and it really makes the stadium look world class! China vs. Korea match had an NCAA tournament-type air to it, and most suspect they will meet again in the final on Thursday. Team India has struggled but it hasn’t ruined the mood for of the BFI and other India sports officials who have been present nor for the FIBA technical staff. One of which has been singing Kareoki for the entire arena during breaks. I couldn’t make this stuff up!

I arrived this morning in Delhi for some business development meetings and preparing for camp here at American Embassy School on October 2-4. . .should be a good one! I am staying at the TAJ Hotel Mansingh, which has to be one of the best hotels in all of India – - The pool is alone is worth the stay!

Lastly, good news is that my partners, George Mason University, Craig Esherick (Former Gtwn Head Coach and 1988 assistant Olympic coach) and professor and former D2 coahc Robert Baker have been awarded Sports Initiative grant by the US Department of State. This eighteen month program will allow for us to foster cultural exchange through sport by conducting in country clincis for coaches- and selecting ten coaches to visit George Mason and undergoing a summer semester of coaching classes. We are hoping to start our program in November.

to read more about india and worldwide please visit us at:

www.jdbasketball.com

www.facebook.com/jdbasketball.india

@jdbasketball (twitter)

SULHITA SURPRISE ISREAL JDBASKETBALL

2009-07-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Sulhita Surprise!

“What’s an Irish Catholic basketball coach from New York doing here? I was asked by local basketball reporter in Tel Aviv late November as we drove North to the 2nd Sulhita in Incense Route Khan near Eilat, Israel. “ You mean, again – right, man? For the best hummus in all of Israel, “, “Ok, Seriously. “, the retort. “There is something in depth and soulful about this place for me. Inshalla (Arabic phrase meaning ‘God Willing’) I want to make a difference,”-- I answered in beat. I think I’m learning something from all these travels. The latest tour was 9 cities in 43 days and it covered as many lands as languages and faiths.

On my first Israel visit in 2003, while walking around the neighborhoods of East Jerusalem, I heard a local apple cart produce sales lady holding a Condoleezza Rice newspaper cover screaming; “Down with A- mer- e- ka!” Frozen by shock- but not fear, I looked over in her eyes and toothless scowl. I did not smile; I did not engage. I sensed real helplessness and rage in her non-and verbal tone. It was it this moment; I began to wonder what makes her think this way? Interestingly enough, this is the third time Condoleezza and I have been in the same region at the same time - - I think she’s following me. ☺. As an American, it has been good to know we have some sort of continual regional strategy and dialogue.

Rabbi Sa’ar the new SULHA director met us. Team JDBASKTBALL included; Roy Mizlik (Rishon/ basketball coach and former IDF soldier http://youtube.com/watch?v=8LkXaKckqC4 ), Itamar Reik, (Macabbi Jr. player), and new to the peace hoop scene, KG(Tel Aviv) straight away off the minivan. In attendance were the usual players including; Ihab and Gaby. I had met the self described Sulha co-founder, hippie Argentine- NY- Israeli –Jewish- musician Gaby on the beach in Bet Yanai a year earlier. And ever since, JDBASKETBALL has become a staple in the yearly event that he (and his best friend) from Joffa, Arab-Muslim- hippie-musician, Ihab created 3 years ago. Since then, over 5000 people from all faiths, and nationalities partake in the three day understanding/ bereavement (part Woodstockesh) multicultural workshop session in the Israeli desert for peace. Additionally, Sulha conducts the Sulhita (mini-Sulha) for 100 (50 Palestine and 50 Israeli) teenaged youth twice a year.

Sulhita Surprise! I think that I get more out of Sulha workshops than the full participants. Soho, Balthazar, Setta Penne, and Harlem felt so distant as introductions were made to the kids. Hugs abundant as we proceeded to sit and partake in the circles of life and absorb the scene and dialogue. Basketball has taken me to the inner and outer reaches of humanity. I thought I’d heard all the stories from the streets of Brooklyn, Kosovo to Joffa and beyond—but never have I been so taken back as when I heard direct from the source. Listening to first hand stories from streets of Gaza and Ramallah and how friends and friends of cousins were being recruited to suicide bomb and the destruction of family homes by missiles is chilling. I heard violent stories from across the border as well. Almost braggart, after all kids will be kids---it was in these moments I saw fresh eyes of both cultures; looks and sensibilities of fear, confusion, terror, compassion and understanding and sentiment. Like, “We are young, we have to live with this, how can we do it—together – respectfully, peacefully? Let’s make a change.“

Sulhita Surprise—Inspiration comes from the strangest of places. A rock/ a pebble in the lake causes a friction— yet it becomes so clear in the desert darkness—things that happen here affect us back home and the liberties we take for safe and peaceful lives.

JDBASKETBALL is a simple operation, we just hoop. Up and down the makeshift court integrating teams, playing games as we go into the cold desert night. I asked for basketballs –we got soccer balls—then volleyballs --- then basketballs. Shooting, Dribbling, Roy teaching, Itimar playing, coaches vs. kids. Setting up team leaders. KG running and taking pictures. Competing together in a protective environment having fun. Like a Banksy mural in on the Palestine wall, we left an impression, a talk-piece to start the weekend and break the ice. Concluding with a Mediterranean feast of vegetables, lamb, humus and mint tea. We left with optimism, and hope thinking, “If they can just play together. . . “, naïve and frieghtingly optimistic. But again, in that moment—the feeling was so real, so apparent, I remember thinking --- does it really matter?

Sulhita Surprised me and reminded me, that we all have checkpoints to manage. Maybe these youth can be a catalyst for change? Maybe they can strand these moments upon moments and realize a little endearing can go a long way at their checkpoints.

Inshalla the world would be better for it!

To donate to the SULHA or SULHITA, please visit www.sulha.com.

Please stay tuned as JDBASKETBALL heads back to Bangalore India, February 5- 12, 2008.

For World Peace,

JD Walsh

www.jdbasketball.com
‘Dialogue for mankind’

jd@jdbasketball.com

India Basketball Kashmir Chinar 'hoops for hope' by: jdbasketball

2009-06-29T05:06:00.000-07:00

India Basketball in Kashmir JDBASKETBALL
By india jdbasketball

I am adding some older blog posts that should have gone up a long time ago. . .

For World Peace KASHMIR, CHINAR

Hoops for Health. JDBASKETBALL Dialogue for mankind

Months of anticipation enhanced already infectious enthusiasm as we initiated ‘Hoops for Health’.

Our effort marks the inception of a three-year program designed to aid the pscho-rehabilitation of war-torn orphaned youth. We begin our program at Chinar (www.chinar.org), an orphanage in Srinigar, Kashmir, India.

As I came off the plane I was struck by the breathtaking Kashmir landscape and Himalayan Mountain backdrop coupled with uniformed and armed military presence in the forefront. Our mission, which until that point had been only an idea, became very real to me.

Walking thru the orphanage to meet the children for the first time, I saw the shoes (20 pairs stacked neatly), the bunk beds, the little reading desks, and real family photos on the wall, relics of a complex past. I noticed the live-in housemothers dressed in their colorful parda caring for the children with great concern and devotion. The CHINAR kids are a special group with one touching story after another, such as the seven year-old girl whose entire family died in an earthquake after which she survived for three days, alone in the snow; the two brothers whose blind grandmother could no longer care for them, and on and on. The t-shirts and basketballs we gifted were greatly appreciated by the kids and a nice token, yet I know they deserve and need much more.

Our training ground at the Burn Hall School was located, coincidentally, just a stones throw away from United Nations India / Pakistan War relief building.

Surveying the court, we realized the basket was too high for the children to reach and that we needed a lower goal. Immediately, the ever helpful Athletic Director at Burn Hill said they would build one. Knowing that we had less than 24 hours before starting, I bet my assistant coach (and former Indian National Team Captain) Jai that it would never get done.

I had to pay up! Upon arrival the following afternoon, we were happy to see that a goal was welded on the back of the basketball pole about 6 feet high. It was perfect for the six 9 year-old Chinar kids!

We started the clinic by pointing out the various lines of the court and teaching the kids how to dribble and shoot. Excitedly they giggled, they ran, they listened, they attempted to dribble in a straight line, they tried to shoot on the ‘too high to reach’ goal, they tried to kick the ball, and to run for snacks. They began to learn fundamental basketball!

Although music was discontinued out of respect for the afternoon prayer session at the neighboring mosque, we kept dribbling, laughing, playing, and learning.

“We love jdbasketball!” in broken Kashmiry English was the kids present to the coaches before the start of the second session. It was a touching moment, one I know I would never experience in an office in downtown Manhattan somewhere.

We noticed that they were holding their heads up, smiling more, and showing more self-confidence.

Day 2 was actually a major improvement as the kids became little more calm and focused. We were joined by some older youth from an onsite NGO. The listening improved and dribbling was better. We even began to play some competitive games.

The long journey came to an end with a spectacular trophy ceremony. It suddenly became apparent to me that on the other side of the planet David Stern was welcoming Greg Oden to the podium for the first pick in the NBA draft. For a second I began to wonder what exactly I was doing in this picture. But, by the looks on the CHINAR kids faces, in that moment—I could see they all felt like lottery picks, and that, at least for today, we had brought them that feeling.

Mission accomplished, but it’s just a start!

We are now looking to raise money to hire a part-time coach to work with the kids. Ultimately we would like to see a CHINAR basketball team to play in neighborhood games. We estimate it will cost $300 (USd) per month… if anyone is interested to donate—please email Fozia directly and mention that it’s for “CHINAR Basketball Coach Fund” at foziaqazi@gmail.com

Special thanks to : CHINAR Board Members, Shireen Qadri, Ifran Shahmiri and Fozia Qazi

house mothers Silshada, Shahzada, Igbal, Mustifa

Sayoni from Scholastic Books (Delhi) who have offered to build a library for the house!

Richard Epstein, of New York, NY for his generous donation of basketball books and videos.

Speacial thanks to the Burn Hall school and staff and coach, Jai Menon

And the CHINAR KIDS! Please remember in thoughts and prayers.

Javid,Mohmad,Growhar,Tahir,Arif,Nazir,Fahir,Sajad, Muneeb,Imtiyaz,Nayeem,Mudasir,Saleem,Zubida,Norjhan,

Rubeena, Ishrat,Bisma,Jabeen,Nusrat

Quintessential Qatar

2007-12-28T09:28:00.000-08:00

A -salaam -aleikom!

My latest basketball adventure finds me in Persian Gulf bordering Saudi Arabia to the tip of Arabian Peninsula in Doha, Qatar. Pronounced like “cutter”, Qatar is a sheikhdom and an OPEC nation that boasts of the world’s largest natural gas reserves. Some of the best US colleges and Universities ala Georgetown, Texas A&M, Cornell and soon; I was told Harvard Law have campuses here. I was an invited guest of the Qatar Basketball Federation/ Olympic Committee and the US State Department.

My lasting memories of Doha will most certainly be the colors: The Green, Gold, Red, Lt. Blue and Grey basketball jerseys of the 100 or so (8 teams) participants at Al Garafah Stadium; The beautiful maroon of the prominently displayed Qatar National flag; the Bluest of skies--seemingly only found in the desert. The Red/Black/White of TGI Fridays/ The Green of Starbucks/ and Red/ Gold of McDonalds (that somehow comfort and annoy at the same time). And; of course, the men dressed in the white and red Ghutra wrapped with a black coil called an Ogaal and decked in long white robes called Bisht. And of course, The women (though not all), dressed in traditional all-black Darra’h (dress), called the Abaya complete the head-toe covering in a Sheila (hijab) vaiel. I will also remember the professional atmosphere and kindness of everyone at the Qatar Basketball Federation and the impressive skyscraper that functions as the Olympic Center head quarters--- and yes; Qatar is bidding for 2012 Olympics!

How’s this for ‘Dialogue for mankind’, basketballs were shot and dribbled in four locations in 8 days and in 5 languages, Arabic, Hindi, Mahrati, Mandarin and English (with translation help of course!). The youth, excited to learn arrived early and were in full force. Hyper excited throughout the morning drills session, started asking early on, “When can we play games?” A common global theme! The assistant coaches were great, although some of the drills were new, instructed with passion. I taught them ‘knockout’ - I think Doha hoops will never be the same. I was lucky as Will Burgess, strength coach for the National Team, and native of New Orleanean and Arena Football Player stretched out the kids and was a great resource. Basketball in perspective, prayer break mid clinic was arranged in a private room off the court on Friday afternoon.

Working for diplomacy in this region these days is not easy; but the American Consulate Cultural Attache Steven Korchuba manages with ease. This native Pennsylvanian speaks fluent Arabic and knows the lay of the land. He and his partner Mr. Mohamed Ahmed arranged successful clinics at MES Indian School, Hamad bin Abdalla bin Jassim Preparatory Independent School, and the Omar bin Khattab Preparatory Independent School. School officials made us feel right at home! The most inspiring group was the young ladies from the Indian School of Doha, they stayed at school from 6am and had to work straight thru to play with us at 4:30. They came in full Saris and big smiles and killer set shots.

It is tough to comment if I witnessed the next NBA superstar on this trip. What I did see is a culture that from the periphery appears so foreign was in actuality quite similar. As a human race from West to East English to Arabic we really resonate similar global fears and concerns. We all pray for peace, and look for mutual respect, understanding and the safety of generations to come. Hopefully that if we can play together, we can live together.

A special thank you to everyone at the Qatar Basketball Federation especially President FIBA Asia Shk. Saud Bin Ali Al-Thani, Asst. General Secretary Rasheed S. Al-Abdulla, Tech. Expert Dr. Moustafa M. Diab, Rasheen and everyone at the American Consulate and Professor Amir for making me feel so welcome and at home.