TNT Tropang GIGA and Smart are launching a training program for basketball management as part of the organization’s effort to mold future leaders in the sport and become part of the coaching staff of Smart Communications Inc.’s professional team.
“Throughout my career, I have always tried to live according to my passion and purpose. This is an oft-repeated topic even in my talks,” TNT Tropang GIGA Head Coach Chot Reyes said. “My passion has always been coaching and building teams—whether in sports or business.”
“And my purpose is to further the advancement of Filipino coaches, so we can, in turn help develop the next generation of Filipino leaders,” he added.
The program, Reyes said, aims to train talented career-driven basketball enthusiasts who will eventually become part of the coaching or management staff of Tropang GIGA.
“We hope that through this program, we’ll be able to develop not only individuals, but a whole new generation of professionals who can contribute to the well-loved industry of sports, particularly basketball,” said Ricky Vargas, TNT team governor and chairman of Philippine Basketball Association Board of Governors.
Maureen Kris Belen will lead the program’s first run.
“As a true fan of the league, for me to be part of such a high-caliber team like TNT Tropang GIGA, is really a dream come true,” Belen said.
Belen admitted that it is not easy to be a woman in the industry. But instead of taking it as a setback, she used the challenges to improve herself.
“The best thing about being a woman in this industry is that we tend to work harder than anyone in the room, because the pressure is doubled, the purpose is bigger,” she said. “You don’t just do it for yourself, but for all the women out there, that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
A certified basketball coach, Belen managed sports events in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and kicked off her coaching career for a college basketball team in July 2017 and the Philippine National Police Women’s Basketball Team in 2019.
She was also part of the on-ground management team for the basketball competition during the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
“We owe it to basketball followers all over the country to acknowledge how vital the role of a leader on a sports team is to its overall success, and develop homegrown talent that demonstrates the right qualities,” said Al Panlilio, Smart Communications president and CEO and PLDT chief revenue officer.