To upgrade the level of coaching in China, the National Basketball Association (NBA) and China Basketball Association (CBA) are co-hosting a coaches clinic at the Beijing Shougang Basketball Gymnasium until August 1.

Six past and present NBA coaches, led by ex-New Jersey Nets bench boss Don Casey, are taking part in the clinic. The list also includes current Houston Rockets assistant Dean Cooper, New York Knicks assistant Dick Helm, Dallas Mavericks coach and former NBA All-Star Rolando Blackman, and Bill Foran and Fred Tedeschi, strength and conditioning coaches for the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls respectively.

They will share their knowledge and experiences with about 100 Chinese coaches, who will also receive classroom training and game strategy sessions with the China U-18 team.

The subjects cover individual skill workout, offensive skill development for guards, forwards and centers, team strategy and tactics, power training and physical adjustment. Sessions will be video taped and the tapes will be distributed to Chinese coaches and players free of charge.

Li Yuanwei, vice-chairman of the CBA, said the camp will definitely contribute to the development of the basketball in China.

"Basketball in China enjoyed some progress in the past years, but to learn hoop theories from the NBA coaches will further upgrade the sport in China," Li said.

Yao Ming, Chinese center of the Houston Rockets, showed his support by attending the opening day of the event. Yao's former teammate Steve Francis is rumored to be joining the camp later this week.

(China Daily July 22, 2004)