Coach’s Thoughts: Mon Cueson (Ateneo, Faith Christian School)

Coach Mon Cueson of the Ateneo U10 team. Coach is encircled in red.

Coach’s Thoughts: Mon Cueson (Ateneo, Faith Christian School)

Coach Mon is the Ateneo U10 team and also is the sports coordinator at Faith Christian School (both teams compete in the Breakdown Basketball League).

“I used to play for Central Colleges of the Philippines,” said Coach Mon in the vernacular. “We’re a small school that plays in some of the smaller collegiate leagues in Metro Manila (CUSA – Colleges and Universities Sports Association among others).”

Becoming a coach is a way for Coach Mon to be a part of the game that he loves. The job though is challenging as he handles young kids.

“There are several challenges for me as coach of the Under-10 Ateneo team,” pointed our Cueson. “I am sure it is no different from what other coaches experience especially those who handles similar age groups.

“First, is teaching basic basketball. Kids today tend to learn plenty of their moves or even shots from watching the NBA. They aren’t aware that these players are professionals and the best in the world. Plus, they are very tall and athletic so they can do a lot on the court. So here, even if a player is not in position or in the proper form, they will take the shot. Especially firing away from long range like Steph Curry.”

To guide the kids, Coach Mon and other diligently teach the fundamentals of footwork, dribbling, passing, and positioning among many others.

“Second, you have to get actively involved. You don’t just teach. You have to demonstrate the proper form in shooting, passing, defending, and many others which means you have to sweat it out too.”

To toughen up his kids, he lines up matches against kids from public schools who have a different outlook and perspective on life and the game of basketball.

“When these kids find out they are playing Ateneo, they get excited. They want to show their skills and worth. It is an eye opener for the Ateneo kids that much work has to be done.”

Cueson though admitted that the realization for the boys will only happen several years down the road as they mature.

“We might not see the changes now, but the important thing is to lay the groundwork now.”

And lastly, playing these games against public schools, in addition to the leagues we participate in will help them. More games gives them more opportunities to improve and better experiences.”

That is why we compete in leagues like Breakdown Basketball because there’s good competition here.”