Written By: Just Bona Fide Media
In the world of basketball, the name Justin Dizon stands out as a testament to the journey this coach and owner of Self-Made-Hoops Basketball Training has undertaken. Over the years, his coaching career has been nothing short of an adventure, consistently taking him to places he never would have imagined. One could say that his passion for the sport has truly been a passport to unexpected destinations. While he has built an impressive set of experiences in previous years working camps for Michael Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant, recently, Justin’s exceptional talent led him across the country to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets Basketball Academy.
The Hellenic Center Brooklyn Nets Basketball Clinic
Situated in the vibrant Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, The Hellenic Charter School became Justin’s canvas to work with hundreds of young aspiring basketball players. Alongside fellow coaches, Justin diligently taught the basic fundamentals of the sport and oversaw thrilling games, offering young athletes valuable real-world experience. During this time, Justin was also privileged to meet former New Jersey Nets player, Otis Birdsong, and absorb a wealth of invaluable coaching advice.
Camp IHC Basketball Brooklyn Nets Basketball Camp
A highlight of his journey took place at the overnight camp nestled in the picturesque mountains of Pennsylvania, known as Camp IHC. As a leader of his group, Justin crafted and directed skill-enhancing drills for camp participants. His unique teaching style went beyond verbal instruction; Justin demonstrated the intricate technicalities of basketball moves while making the learning process enjoyable. This camp, spanning five days and filled with intense basketball learning, can host anywhere from 100 to 300 students. Each day extends to a grueling 12-hour marathon of basketball immersion in every aspect of the game, reserved only for those who have true love for the sport.
The Significance of This Year’s Camp
This year’s camp held special meaning, setting it apart from previous iterations at the Brooklyn Nets Academy Overnight camp. Generous sponsors contributed an astounding $50,000 in scholarships, granting access to this incredible experience for players hailing from underserved communities. Promising youngsters from Harlem, The Bronx, Upper Manhattan, the Lower East Side, Staten Island, and Brooklyn benefited from top-notch coaching, with travel, and accommodation included during the camp. One high school camper from the Bronx shared, “For me to be able to get out of my neighborhood, learn about something that I love, and meet other kids from different walks of life has been amazing.” For Coach Justin, providing this opportunity to children from lower-income neighborhoods holds immense significance. Growing up in the challenging neighborhood of Vallejo, California, a city that Forbes once ranked as the 6th most miserable in the country, Justin understands the value of having positive role models and mentors. To emerge from such a background and have the chance to deliver positive messages while teaching basketball represents a dream come true.
The Journey Continues
Coach Justin’s journey has left an indelible mark on aspiring basketball players from California to New York, Texas to Hawaii, and beyond. He firmly believes that the best is yet to come, asserting, “When you have a positive mindset, true love, and passion for your craft, the world opens up, and anything is possible.” Justin’s remarkable journey underscores the transformative power of sports, mentorship, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of young athletes. His story serves as an inspiration to those he coaches and everyone who believes in the potential of sports to change lives.
