#RepYourRegion: Jabogs Basketball are just a bunch of girls who love basketball
Jabogs Basketball is representing girls in Port Coquitlam and its surrounding areas at this year’s Bballnationals tournament.
The team was founded over 20 years ago by long time coach Paul Langford as a way to give his daughters a place to play basketball, and since then the club has expanded to give that opportunity to any girl in the area who wants to ball.
“We’ll never close the door to people,” assures Desha Puri, Jabog coach and former player.
The name itself is actually an acronym standing for “Just a Bunch of Girls” and it speaks to the modest nature of the club.
“We’re literally just a bunch of girls playing basketball,” says Puri.
Don’t be fooled by their causal attitude though, the club aims to make their teams as competitive as any other both on and off the court.
“Our training emphasis is equally on fundamentals and character, as we combine basketball skill training with coaching mentorship that addresses broader physical, mental and emotional development,” reads the Jabogs basketball official website.
“Jabog believes it is critical to provide girls with a positive environment in which to grow as athletes and young women.”
Jabogs played some outstanding games last year and made it all the way to the quarterfinals of most of their tournaments. The quality of competition at Bballnationals is largly responsible for the team’s return.
“It’s nice to play some elite competition from across the country,” enthuses Puri.
For the Jabogs team, the tournament serves not only as a great competition, but a way to interact with the national basketball community.
“It’s a great way to connect and build relationships,” remarks Puri.
“It’s such a great atmosphere.”
This year’s tournament will see the Jabogs U17 girls team competing in tier 2 at the end of July.
Registration for bballnationals 2019 is still open. Head over to the bballnationals registration page here and get your team signed up before it’s too late.
Written by: Jake Cressy