Top US coach extols Codera's work ethic in Snow Valley camp

CEBU, Philippines - The positive attitude shown by US-based Cebuano NBA trainer/coach Jefferson "Jeff" Codera, Jr. during the week-long Snow Valley Iowa Basketball Camp last week wasn't left unnoticed by the Snow Valley director himself, coach Don Showalter.

The decorated American coach who guided the US Under-17 basketall team to eight world championships has nothing but words of praise for Codera, the lone Filipino among the 60-plus coaches from around the world who took part in the elite training camp held last July 19-24 at the Wartburg College gym in Waverly, Iowa.

In an e-mail to The Freeman, Showalter describes Codera as "a great young coach and person".

"He was outstanding at our basketball school. The thing we put much emphasis on is building a relationship with the players which Jeff did and this allowed him to gain the trust of the campers in order to coach them," said Showalter, who was hired by USA Basketball Youth Division as Director of Coach Development just last May.

"He was always looking for a way to improve the camp by being willing to do anything we asked of him. Jeff was great as a tactician in his games as well," he added.

The 34-year-old Codera, a member of the Golden State Warriors training camp who is also a licensed coach of USA Basketbal under its Youth Development Program, said his experience at Snow Valley, which is recognized by the prestigious Sports Illustrated as one of the best teaching camps in the US, is something he will treasure for a lifetime.

Snow Valley is camp for individual skill enhancement that is committed to helping campers improve their individual skills in all areas of the game.

Now on its 23rd year, Snow Valley basketball camp has been built around the pillars of four Cs - Choices, Comfort Zone, Communication and Compete.  Its coaches from across the globe and the best leagues of the world are carefully selected to ensure the highest level of teaching and coaching will be delivered to the campers.

"It was a once in a lifetime experience to be part of the USA training camp. "I had a great time in the camp and it further deepened my knowledge as a trainer/coach,"said Codera, who hails from Tabok, Mandaue City. "To be part of the Snow Valley organization is a priceless happening I will cherish in my whole life." (FREEMAN)