JR. NBA - JR. WNBA: What They’re Saying About Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA

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•	NBA, WNBA Launch Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA

What They’re Saying About Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA

Quotes from Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Advisory Council

Ray Allen, All-Star, Seattle Supersonics
"Basketball is more than just a team game on the court, it's a team game off the court as well. Positive support from parents and coaches, who make learning the game fun, are keys to a successful and enjoyable basketball experience. I'm looking forward to working with the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA so young players at all levels have the opportunity to love the game as I do."

Tina Thompson, All-Star, Houston Comets
"I've learned much about life by competing on the basketball court. Through hard work, trust in my teammates and respect of my coaches, I have become a better player on the court and a better person off it. To share my experiences and offer guidance to young players through the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA is a privilege."

Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Boston Celtics
"Coaching is an extraordinarily rewarding activity. I take my responsibility as a coach very seriously, whether it's at the NBA level with my players from the Magic, or at the youth league level with my own children. The effort being undertaken by the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA is important, and one I'm excited about taking part in. I remind myself everyday how lucky I am to do something I love - basketball, and that I have the chance to teach the game. I hope I can help others make the same positive impact."

Bill Walton, NBA Legend
"I'm honored and privileged to be a part of the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA. As a former player and current parent, I know first hand how important it is for young players to receive positive support and encouragement from their families. What a great feeling for all involved when a player works hard and accomplishes a goal with the support of their teammates, coaches and parents."

Quotes from Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA National Youth Basketball Partnership

Kathy J. Spangler, CPRP, Director, National Programs, National Recreation and Park Association
"Quality youth sports includes a commitment to parents, players, and coaches. The National Recreation and Park Association is pleased to support the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs and applauds the NBA and the WNBA for their commitment to providing youth development opportunities through the excitement, challenge, and health benefits of basketball."

Kurt Aschermann, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Boys and Girls Clubs of America
"Boys & Girls Clubs have provided quality athletic competition and instruction for kids for over 100 years. The Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Program gives us an opportunity to bring a marvelous new activity-impacting kids, parents, coaches and the Club itself-into our Clubs nationwide. We are thrilled to partner with the NBA and WNBA in this wonderful new program."

Lenny Silberman, Continental Director JCC Maccabi Games, Jewish Community Centers of North America
"The Jewish Community Centers of North America are excited to have this great opportunity to participate with a professional sports league that is making such an important commitment to young people, their parents and coaches. What makes the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA effort even greater, is the vision it has not just for today, but for tomorrow as well."

Brad Hart, Executive Director, National Association of Police Athletic Leagues
"National PAL is extremely excited to enter into an alliance with the NBA and WNBA. We are confident that by partnering with the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA we will provide our PAL members with quality programming for youth who are involved in the great sport of basketball."

Quote from Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Youth Sports Expert

Rick Wolff, Writer, Radio Host and Chairman of the Center for Sports Parenting
"For several years now, youth sports has been approaching a crisis stage. With parents and coaches sending the wrong messages more often than not, it is time for positive leadership. The NBA and WNBA should be saluted for creating the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA, which will provide positive programs for players, parents and coaches that will lead young people to both learn the game and enjoy it."