Fourteen young cagers were chosen and and will represent the Visayas at the National Training Camp in Manila on May 12-14, 2017

Seven boys and seven girls excelled in the Cebu Regional Selection Camp of the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 presented by Alaska at the Don Bosco Technical Center on March 11-12.  Young campers came from Cebu and nearby provinces including Bacolod, Cagayan De Oro, Leyte, and Misamis Oriental.

Abad, Rolando Jesus, 13, of St. Anthony Highschool; Baldonado, Joshua Benedict, 14, of St. John’s Institute Bacolod City; Cabanero, Nicael Dominie, 13, of Sacred Heart School Ateneo de Cebu; Deloria, Jericho, 14, of Cebu Eastern College; Enriquez, Jessrey, 13, of University of San Carlos South Campus; Jumamoy, Reinhard, 13, of University of San Carlos North Campus; Moreno, Zhan Paolo, 12, of Xavier University – were selected as Jr. NBA representatives of the Visayas region.  Abella, Ynnia Juanne, 12, of Sotero B. Cabahog Forum for Literacy; Delig. Princess Jeira, 13, of Abellana National School; Denana, Chinnsai, 13, of University of Visayas; Retubado, Maybelle, 13, of Bulacao Community Highschool; Sabalones, Tara Ramz, 13, of Montessori Academy of Southern Cebu; Solis, Aishe Mae, 12, of Marymount Academy; Tagalog, Mecaellah Frenzie Shane,13, of University of Southern Philippines Foundation – meanwhile topped the girls division.  These young athletes will progress to the program’s next phase—the National Training Camp on May 12-14 in Metro Manila.

The first day of the Jr. NBA Regional Selection Camp featured fundamental skills challenges with the top performing athletes advancing to Day 2, where they experienced advanced basketball drills and scrimmages.  The Jr. NBA evaluation committee led by Jr. NBA Coaches Chris Sumner and Jeffrey Cariaso of the Alaska Aces searched for players showcasing all-around basketball skills and embodied the Jr. NBA S.T.A.R. values of Sportmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitide, and Respect.

Three-time PBA Champion and Alaska Aces shooting guard Dondon Hontiveros also attended the camp to extend his support to fellow Cebuanos and share his basketball knowledge with the players.  “We never experienced this kind of event during our time.  Now, I look into the eyes of the Jr. NBA campers and see their joy in playing basketball,” said Hontiveros.  “They have found new friends and are learning new things from their coaches while having fun.  The Jr. NBA is refreshing, encouraging and inspiring for both boys and girls.”

The last stop of the Jr. NBA Philippines 2017 Regional Selection Camp is at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati, Metro Manila on April 1-2.  Boys and girls ages 10-14 can still register online to the youth basketball program at www.jrnba.asia/philippines, where the program terms and conditions can be found.  Registration and participation is absolutely free.