NBTC set for girls competition

The biggest grassroots basketball competition in the country is set to add a female element for the first time.

The tournament is set to have its first high school girls division, called the SMART-NBTC Girls Have Next, powered by Fil-Nation Select, which will run concurrently with their boys counterparts.

NBTC Program Director Eric Altamirano shares, "Discovering great talents for the better part of the past 13 years, the NBTC is honored to share the spotlight with the ladies this year. We're excited to contribute to the rise of girls' basketball in the country through this grassroots tournament."

Pioneering coach Mau Belen was named as its tournament director, and she says about this competition, "I’m excited to be a part of a project that is close to my heart which will give opportunities to showcase young girls' talents. Because of the NBTC and Fil-Nation Select collaboration and support, we are giving a chance to these girls' dreams."

Eight squads have been picked to participate, led by powerhouse Nazareth School of National University. Also set to play is the University of Santo Tomas, the inaugural co-champions of the UAAP Girls Basketball competition back in 2020.

Completing the field are Miriam College, La Salle-Antipolo, and Queen Anne School-Sta. Rosa, as well as La Filipina Blue Fire and One Ibajay-Aklan. Fil-Nation Select is expected as well to send a squad.

These eight teams will be split into two groups of four, with each group to have a round robin to determine the top two teams that would clash in the crossover semifinals scheduled on March 17. Matches will be played at the Pretty HUGE facility in Taguig.

The winners will then face off to be the inaugural girls champion on the culminating day of the National Finals on March 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena.