Justin Dizon’s enduring passion for basketball traces its roots back to his childhood. His Filipino heritage played a significant role, as basketball is the national sport of the Philippines, deeply embedded in the culture since its introduction by the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) shortly after the sport was invented in Springfield MA by Dr. James Naismith . His family shared a love for the game, with sports being a cherished pastime, making basketball a natural and integral part of their family time. Justin fondly remembers watching games with his parents and older brother, Vincent, and as a child, he would gaze at the screen, dreaming of emulating the legendary Michael Jordan.
Justin’s journey into coaching and training began when he started helping his teammates at the local YMCA. At the YMCA and nearby parks, he noticed passionate kids practicing and shooting hoops, and he couldn’t resist offering pointers. His willingness to share his knowledge led to full-fledged training sessions, where he covered everything from shooting fundamentals to passing, dribbling, and defensive strategies.
Never did Justin imagine that his love for basketball would lead him to establish his own business, let alone make it a full-time pursuit. When he initially started training kids and peers, he did it out of pure love for the game, offering his expertise for free. The notion that basketball would become his livelihood and take him on a remarkable journey, meeting countless individuals who would impact his life, was beyond his wildest dreams. Growing up in a family that prioritized charity and public service, he embraced the idea of selflessness and helping others, traits he continues to embody in his work.
`Photo Credit: Just Bona Fide MediaJustin currently serves approximately 50 clients in San Francisco, training 20 of them on a regular weekly basis. The countless individuals he has trained over the years have left him somewhat lost in the ever-evolving journey of basketball training. Despite being a businessman and entrepreneur, he doesn’t perceive his work as a typical job. This perspective aligns with his father’s wisdom from Justin’s childhood: finding a job one loves means never having to work a day in their life. In Justin’s case, it appears that the job found him.
His dedication to basketball coaching and training stems from a genuine love and passion for the game. Justin’s commitment is evident in the grueling hours he spends daily training players in basketball, from early mornings to late nights. He acknowledges that one must truly love the game to invest such extensive time and effort without growing tired of it.
What sets Justin apart from other trainers and player development coaches is his personalized approach. He avoids cookie-cutter training methods and, instead, tailors his coaching to the unique needs of each individual. Each training session becomes a blend of science and art, with a focus not only on physical aspects but also on the mind and spirit. For young athletes, he emphasizes values such as self-discipline, self-respect, self-confidence, and self-esteem. For older working professionals, he draws on their academic and professional achievements to teach them how it relates as well to achieving success in basketball. When working with professional players, Justin extends his guidance beyond the court, teaching them how to be not only professional athletes but also professional career individuals.
While Justin’s job is physically demanding, he never experiences stress. In contrast to his previous corporate roles, where he worked fewer hours but endured higher stress levels, basketball leaves him physically and mentally exhausted but fulfilled. He describes the sensation as a sense of accomplishment and alignment with his life’s purpose.
In the grand scheme of things, Justin believes his career is vital because it makes a tangible impact on people’s lives. The cards, notes, messages, and calls he receives are proof that his work transcends both young individuals and adults. For adults who missed out on organized basketball in their youth, he provides them with a missing experience, equipping them with proficiency in a game they can enjoy throughout their lives. The benefits extend beyond physical health, encompassing emotional well-being. To the kids he trains, Justin not only hones their basketball skills but also imparts essential life lessons, nurturing positive self-images and stressing the importance of academics, respect for others, hard work, and self-discipline.
By Just Bona Fide Media
