More than 100 youth basketball players will attend a sold-out camp that began yesterday and runs through Friday.

At the Guam Hoops Academy, young athletes will opportunity to learn the game from guest coach Kawika Villa from Chaminade University of Honolulu. Villa will use his experience to help Guam basketball players develop their skills and understand what it takes to play at the college level.

The academy will be held at the Father Duenas Memorial High School Phoenix Center in Mangilao from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It is open to players ages 8 to 18.

"I know coach Kawika personally and I can say that he has developed my game," said Guam national team basketball player Michael Sakazaki. "Once I left Guam my senior year and started playing at Chaminade the past two years, he's helped me.

Sakazaki said Villa cares about the island kids and is interested in developing players.

"He actually recruits from this region," he said. "His presence could open doors for Guam."

Guam Basketball Confederation press release, Villa recently completed his third year with the Chaminade University men's basketball team. He played collegiate basketball at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, and has coached at the local high school level. He has also conducted private basketball instruction for Starting 5 Basketball, LLC until his appointment at Chaminade. Villa is responsible for player development and recruiting for the Silverswords and recruits from the Oceania region.

"We are excited to welcome coach Kawika Villa to Guam," said director E.J. Calvo.

Organizers for the Guam Hoops Academy are planning three to four camps each year. The academy will begin with two sessions this summer and conclude with one more session before the end of the year.

For more information regarding the upcoming sessions, please email program assistant Sakazaki at sakazakim@yahoo.com.