Scholastic Sports Camp by Coach Francis

Coach Spotlight

Meet Coach the Youth Development Coach leading the Live Your Dream with Pocari Sweat Basketball Edition, Season 3 in Cotabato City.

Coach Phil continues to invest in grassroots basketball, guiding young athletes not just to compete, but to grow through the game. His approach focuses on discipline, coachability, and strong team values.

This August 22 and 23, he’ll be leading the Basketball Tryouts in Cotabato for boys aged 13–15. He’s not just looking for talent, but for players willing to learn, work hard, and be great teammates.

Every player starts somewhere. This could be the beginning of your story.

Tryout Schedule:

August 22, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cotabato State University
(COTSU Gymnasium)
Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights IV, Cotabato City

August 23, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
People’s Palace Gymnasium
Sinsuat Avenue, Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City

See you at the Live Your Dream with Pocari Sweat Basketball Tryouts!


Pocari Sweat (Philippines)
Philippine Sports Commission
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas - SBP
Noli Ayo
Sports and PE Group
Scholastic Sports Camp by Coach Francis

Big Changes Ahead for European Basketball: What It Means for the Philippines and the World

European basketball is at a crossroads. Recent announcements from EuroLeague and ongoing discussions with FIBA and even the NBA signal a possible shift toward a franchise-based model, major new investments, and a rethinking of how the sport is governed and commercialized in Europe.

Key Insights from the European Basketball Advisory Group (EBAG):
Vision Before Investment: European basketball leaders are being urged to define their long-term vision and governance model before accepting big investments. The goal is to ensure that money serves the sport—not the other way around.

Transparency and Stakeholder Involvement: There’s a call for more open communication with clubs, leagues, players, fans, and the public about the future direction of the sport.

Protecting the Basketball Ecosystem: Any new investment should benefit not just elite clubs, but also youth development, grassroots basketball, and local communities.

Clarifying What’s for Sale: The basketball community wants clear answers about what investors are actually buying—club equity, commercial rights, or influence over governance—and what parts of the sport should never be for sale.

Learning from Football: The debate mirrors recent controversies in European football, where questions of ownership, governance, and solidarity have become central.

Why Does This Matter for Philippine and World Basketball?

Global Ripple Effects: Changes in European basketball’s structure and investment could influence how leagues around the world—including the PBA and other Asian leagues—approach governance, investment, and the balance between commercial growth and sporting integrity.

Opportunities and Risks: If European basketball succeeds in balancing investment with strong governance and community focus, it could set a positive example for basketball development globally. But if commercial interests take over, it could widen the gap between elite and grassroots basketball everywhere.

A Call for Dialogue: The EBAG’s message is clear: the basketball community, wherever we are, should have a voice in shaping the future of the sport.

Let’s keep an eye on these developments. The future of basketball, from Europe to the Philippines and beyond, depends on the choices made today.

ISAK Level 1: Skills in Practice

Back at it! Measuring my 4th and 5th clients as I work on completing my ISAK Level 1 post-course requirements.

Another chance to put my kinanthropometry training into actual practice, refine my measurement techniques, and gain more experience working with real clients.

As youth sports coaches, we always say we want to teach, train, and develop young athletes. Pero ano nga ba ang laman ng coaching bag natin? 🏀⚽️🏐

Hindi lang dapat balls, cones, whistles, and equipment. Dapat may knowledge, skills, experience, at patuloy na pag-aaral din.

Let’s keep enriching our knowledge base and, more importantly, put that knowledge into practice.

Because you can’t share something you don’t have.

One measurement at a time. One client at a time. 📏💪

What is “Stacking” in Pickleball Open Play? 🏓

If you’re new to pickleball, you might hear someone say, “Just stack your paddle.” They aren’t talking about the advanced doubles strategy. They’re referring to the Open Play queueing system.

In many pickleball venues, players place their paddles in a stack, rack, or holder to indicate they’re waiting for the next available court.

Here’s how it works:

🏓 Place your paddle at the end of the stack.

🏓 Paddles are called in the order they were placed—first in, first to play.

🏓 When a court opens, the next four paddles in the stack go on to play.

🏓 After your game, if you’d like to continue, simply return your paddle to the back of the stack.

Why do we stack paddles?

✅ Keeps waiting time fair.
✅ Gives everyone equal opportunities to play.
✅ Prevents players from staying on court indefinitely.
✅ Eliminates confusion over “Who’s next?”

Different venues may use slightly different Open Play formats:

• Standard Rotation – Everyone returns to the back of the stack after each game.
• Winner Stays (Limited) – Winners may stay for one more game before rejoining the queue.
• Skill-Level Courts – Separate paddle stacks for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced players.
• King’s Court / Challenge Court – A special court with its own rotation and challenge rules.

Open Play Etiquette

✔ Stack your paddle only when you’re ready to play.
✔ Respect the order of the paddles.
✔ Be ready when your group is called.
✔ After your game, return your paddle to the back of the stack if you’re playing again.

A simple system—but one that keeps Open Play organized, fair, and enjoyable for everyone.

🏓 See you on the courts!