FIBA Players' Mentorship Program tips off

MIES (Switzerland) - FIBA's Players' Mentorship Program, which is designed to aid players as they face challenges both on and off the court in professional basketball, tipped off this month. 

In April FIBA's National Federation members were invited to nominate a former female and male representative to enroll in the FIBA Players' Mentorship Program, to be delivered online, with the training process now underway.

Participants from various National Federations are enrolled in the first mentorship program from the regions of Africa, Asia and Europe. One of them is national team player Taurai Chitsinde of Zimbabwe.

"Learning how to positively mentor some of these players, if not all, becomes a tool to impact young players' lives, especially in Africa," Chitsinde said. "I will pass on these learning tools and experiences in provinces and to all national teams whenever possible, for those that may need it."

Taurai Chitsinde playing at the FIBA AfroBasket 2015

Lina Brazdeikyte of Lithuania and Veselin Veselinov of Bulgaria are both also glad that they are working to become players' mentors.

"I wanted to learn how to help players find their way by making right decisions," Brazdeikyte said. "Among all the player's entourage, the players' mentor can become an effective and reliable tool for players' care, guidance and counseling". 

Veselinov said: "I believe that National Federations and the younger generation can benefit from this program by using it as a stepping stone to develop not only basketball players but also develop these players to be good citizens in the society they live in."

Lina Brazdeikyte playing at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2006

What is it, exactly, that mentors will do for players? They will offer advice on various subjects, like addressing the media, dual career decisions or developing good habits of time keeping.

There are, of course, many other areas where mentors can make a difference. The hope is that players will have fewer distractions so they can do what they know how to do best, which is to play basketball and perform at their highest level. 

The start of the FIBA Players' Mentorship Program could not have gone any better. "We have seen a lot of engagement and participation during the course from all participants," said FIBA National Federations and Sport Director, Zoran Radovic.

"We can see that the candidates are really motivated to give back to basketball and to help the younger generations. FIBA really appreciates what these former players are doing, and can do, for the game."

Dirk Nowitzki, who is Chair of the FIBA Players Commission, said: "The Commission is very happy to launch the program. We have been working very hard for the last two years to make it a reality. We hope that mentors will be able to help players be successful both on and off the court."

The Players' Mentors participants, like Chitsinde, Brazdeikyte and Veselinov, will obtain upon completion, an Athlete Lifestyle Mentor Certificate, which is delivered by the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Participants must also enroll in a FIBA Off-Court Guide program, and complete an individual assignment given to them by FIBA.

Candidates have already taken part in three days of online sessions as they strive to earn the Athlete Lifestyle Mentor Certificate, which includes topics on athlete lifestyle mentor role, sporting landscapes, athlete support networks, dual careers, athlete planning and transitions. 

Each candidate must now be assessed on what they absorbed in those sessions before receiving the certificates. The FIBA Off-Court Guide program is taking place this month and the Individual Assignment will also need to be completed.

The second mentorship course starts on July 15.

 FIBA