9-YEAR OLD KID GETS THE LOWDOWN ON BASKETBALL!

Sawyer Leong, 9, breathes all things basketball.

Having started acting since he was five alongside top local actors and boasting 12 thousand followers on his social pages, Sawyer’s dreams are just beginning to unfold.

He is certainly no stranger in the local entertainment scene, having won titles such as ‘Outstanding Kid Model’ at the Amberchia Academy and emerged Champion in the ‘ChiChi & ChaCha Superstar Contest’ in 2014, in addition to being featured in numerous magazines and advertisements. He also acts, dances, does martial arts and even aspires to become a pro basketballer one fine day. 

Recently, the bubbly and charming Sawyer spent some time chatting with other participants, parents and even the Jr NBA head coach, Chris Sumner – the six-foot-tall coach on all things basketball, including how he could one day become as tall as the coach!

Sawyer: What does it take to become a professional basketballer?
Chris Sumner: Well, one of the most important things, in my opinion, is attitude. A basketballer must always have the right attitude on the court. Qualities like sportsmanship, teamwork, a positive attitude, and respect for his teammates and opponents are very important. These S.T.A.R values are what we focus on in the Jr. NBA programme. And of course, practice, practice and more practice! That is the key to success.

Sawyer: How do you select kids to join the Jr NBA programme?
Chris Sumner: The Jr. NBA programme is all about encouraging more young kids to be passionate about basketball. So more than just having skills, what us coaches look for are kids that have the right attitude and are passionate about the sport. We look for kids that are eager to learn, and can be coached to become great basketballers. I think these are more important than raw talent or skills alone.

Sawyer: You’re so tall! What can I eat to become as tall as you?
Chris Sumner: (Laughing) Well, first of all milk is very, very important, so you got to drink milk. The calcium in milk helps you grow and keeps your bones strong. But also make sure you eat a lot of protein, so before a game, eat some chicken or some meat, and of course don’t forget your vegetables.

Sawyer: Can you tell us how kids today can lead a healthier and more active lifestyle?
Chris Sumner: That’s an interesting question. Kids always learn from adults, so I think it’s important for parents to set the example. They need to spend more time outdoors with their kids from a young age, and encourage them to pick up a sport, any sport, and support their kids’ passion for it. Kids need to find a sport they really enjoy whether it’s basketball, swimming or whatever, and commit to it. Invite friends to play the sport together, and use the sport as a way of making new friends. This way you get to hang out with your friends and do something you’re not only passionate about, but is also healthy.

Sawyer: What are your hobbies, besides basketball?
Chris Sumner: Honestly, my hobby is basketball. I’ve been playing basketball since… I was maybe a little shorter than you are! So ever since I was that big I was in love with basketball. It’s the reason I’m out here in Asia, the reason I get to meet you and so many other young kids here – because of basketball.
Following their brief chat, Sawyer had the chance to shoot some hoops with Coach Chris, picking up some valuable tips and maneuvers along the way to improve his game.

 “It is an honour for me to be chosen to go behind the scenes and get up-close with everyone involved with Jr NBA this year. Just being on the court and playing with the rest who also love basketball like I do, is a thrilling feeling!” commented Sawyer, who intends to practice real hard to be able to get selected into the Jr NBA programme next year, once he turns 10.

Sawyer’s dad, Gavin, chimed in, “I am so proud of my son. I’ve always encouraged him to step out of his comfort zone so that he can see what the world has to offer. Back in my day, it was quite rare for a young kid to have such opportunities as Sawyer has been fortunate to experience, so I really want him to seize these chances while he can.”

Follow Sawyer at https://www.instagram.com/sawyerleong/ as he trails the selected participants at Regional Selection Camp this coming July 8 & 9.  He will also speak to visiting NBA player and give live updates when the selection results are announced in July.

For more information about Jr NBA Malaysia, visit the official event website at www.jrnba.asia/malaysia and follow the Jr. NBA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbamalaysia.  For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com and “Friend” the NBA’s official account on LINE by adding @nba_global.






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