Samardo Samuels helping PHASE 1 to get to the next level

Former National Basketball Association (NBA) player, Jamaica-born Samardo Samuels is joining the coaching staff of P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy and is now helping the team to prepare physically and mentally for the Phenom Prep National Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina, from March 8 to 10.

It’s the first time a Jamaican prep basketball team will compete in a United States prep national championship.

Samuels, who is no stranger of giving back to local youth basketball programmes, held a training session for the team at the Montego Bay Community College last Saturday.

Speaking with The Gleaner, Samuels, who is also a newly appointed ambassador for the team, said he was impressed with the first day of training with the P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy team.

“We don’t like losing, and these guys are here on a Saturday putting in the work. They are getting better and all want to do better and represent. It won’t be perfect today because it is a long-term thing. It is another opportunity for them to show themselves what they are working for. I have been following them for a while now and I love what I am seeing. I wanted to be a part of the team, and I came home this weekend, so the opportunity presented itself. I am really excited, too, because we have an indoor basketball court in Montego Bay and that is big,” Samuels said.

“We worked on some drills, like full court, three-point shooting, mid-range and finishing. Now that the basketball game is about shooting, we had to get in as much shooting as possible. Also, finishing around the basket and having them run,” he added.

Micah-Imani Swaine, captain of the P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy, said the team is mentally getting better and is improving every day.

“Today was a tough day at training, but we will see this as a plus going home. We have the mental strength to push through these championship games when we are tired. In terms of game play, we are there because every game we play overseas, we fight as if it were our last game. When we travel, I can see the difference; we get better every time, I can see the improvement. We train and work hard, and we have fun as well. We gel together and experience the losses and wins, so it builds us. We will definitely be there for the championship,” Swaine stated.

“For us, it means a lot having Samardo here. To hear that an NBA player has seen us and wants to work with us, especially of Jamaican descent. It means a lot to me, because I have someone I can look up to other than my coaches. He came not only as a coach, but came and introduced himself and spent time with us. Seeing his passion for the game before I saw the coaching side, so I really appreciate him working with us,” he added.

According to Samuels, having an indoor court is a plus for the basketballers.

“When I was in their position playing basketball at Muschett High School, I never had those opportunities unless I was going to Kingston or G.C. Foster. Having one here in the west is another reason to give me a push to help the guys. It will also help me, too, because I am also playing, so I need to get myself in shape,” Samuels said.