EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros claims NBTC North Luzon Regional crown

courtesy of Bon Arevalo/NBTC

CAMANAVA remains the Kings of the North.

EZ Jersey-Doc Boleros swept their way to the 2025 edition of the SMART-NBTC North Luzon Regional Championship, completing their undefeated run with an 87-72 victory over Luid Kapampangan on Sunday at the Central Luzon State University Gymnasium at the Science City of Munoz, Nueva Ecija.

Kenneth Avila was named as the Regional Most Outstanding Player for his performances throughout the tournament, capped off by an eleven-point, six-rebound, two-assist, and three-block stint in the final to ensure a seven-match sweep.

The boys from the northern part of NCR used a strong start to establish themselves and never looked back. Bobet Monterozo scored nine of his thirteen points in the opening period to help his team erect a 28-14 lead after the first quarter.

Ace Baldomero and Richmond Montejo both contributed eleven points each, as they matched last year's feat of Yengskivel Sportswear in becoming both the champions of CAMANAVA and the North Regional.

Although they fell short in the final, Nikko Tipino led Luid Kapampangan with seventeen points and four boards, while Alexis Riño tacked on fifteen points, five boards, and six assists for the Pampanga powerhouse.

Also earning their spots at the National Finals as Regional Wildcards are DPR Aviation College from Plaridel, Bulacan, and i-Achievers Modern College.

The former earned their ticket with a 94-84 victory over Ilocos side Nagbukel National High School. Yhano Micorhain Lacsarum drilled six treys on his way to finishing with 24 points in the matchup.

As for the latter, the squad from General Mamerto Natividad dispatched fellow province-mates Nueva Ecija D'Generals, 84-83. Blyz Taculad completed their comeback from being down twelve in the final five minutes with his tip-in with six seconds remaining.

Joining Avila in the All-Regional team are Rino, Thyrone Barcena (Nagbukel), John Lord Cruz (DPR), and Rain Martin (D'Generals).

Regional action continues in the tournament presented by SM Supermalls and Playtime Cares, and supported by Adidas, Molten, Swish, and JProject, as it is the turn of the Mindanao leg to take the spotlight on February 6-9 at Oroquieta City.

NBTC National Finals set for broadcast on SMART LiveStream

c/o NBTFC

For the whole duration of the 2024 SMART National Basketball Training Center National Finals, SMART will be making the broadcast of the #MadnessInMOA available in two ways:

One can easily check out the games streamed on the Facebook pages of SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas, and the NBTC Philippines.

Another route is through checking out the action on the innovative SMART LiveStream app, which is available in your respective platforms.

In establishing this partnership, PLDT SMART Head of Sports Jude Turcuato shares, "SMART Communications is proud to bring unprecedented coverage to the NBTC National Finals. Following our successful coverage of the regional championships, we are thrilled to also bring the entire national finals week to the entire country. Our aim is to provide exposure to the future stars of Philippine basketball, ensuring that their talents are recognized and celebrated."

On their part, NBTC founder Eric Altamirano adds, "We are immensely grateful to Smart Communications for their unwavering commitment to the NBTC program. Their support has been instrumental in nurturing the growth of basketball talent across the Philippines. With their backing, we are confident that the NBTC National Finals will continue to serve as a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams in the sport."

The competition features the some of the best young Filipino talent worldwide, who made their way to the SM Mall of Asia Arena for a week of competitive basketball.

Action today is all about the seeding round, setting the Super 32 tomorrow to determine who comprises the Supreme 16 of the two divisions.

The field then gets whittled down by half everyday, from the Fantastic 8 on Thursday to the Fearless Four on Friday.

NBTC action presses pause on Saturday, as the tournament centers on its NBTC All-Star Game, where Team Heart and Team Hustle get to face off.

We then get to know who will be the latest NBTC National Finals champion on Sunday, March 24.

Jared Bahay leads NBTC 24

Jared Bahay

Jared Bahay continues to make outstanding history in the recent National Basketball Training Center 24, becoming the second player to be on top of the rankings for consecutive years.

Bahay, already the lone player outside of the NCAA and UAAP to have topped the list of outstanding under-19 talents nationwide, joins Kai Sotto for the honor, after helping lead the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu to back-to-back titles in CESAFI play.

The incoming Ateneo recruit beat out Kieffer Alas of La Salle-Zobel and Amiel Acido of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta to be this year's top player.

A couple of UAAP high school standouts round up the top five, with all-league standouts Doys Dungo of UST and Tebol Garcia of Adamson in fourth and fifth, respectively. The league has the biggest contingent of players in the league with ten, with Vince Reyes (7, Adamson), Ports Porter (8, Ateneo), Veejay Pre (10, FEU-Diliman), John Alejandro (14, UE), Macmac Alfanta (16, NUNS), Daryl Valdeavilla (19, UPIS), and Wacky Ludovice (20, UST) completing the field.

With its postseason set to commence shortly, the NCAA has eight players participating, as Acido is flanked by Titing Manalili (6, Letran), George Diamante (9, Letran), Jhames Daep (11, Perpetual), EJ Castillo (13, EAC), Lawrence Mangubat (15, Mapua), Mark Gojo Cruz (17, Perpetual), and Ruvic Danag (18, San Sebastian).

A record six players from outside the UAAP and NCAA make the field, with Bahay's Magis Eagles teammate Jelomar Rota (12) joined by four outstanding players from the Regional Championships.

Andre Lumanag is 21st and represents the Mindanao qualifiers via Toyomoto Auto Supply-Davao. Jevy Hinoguin is 22nd and represents the North Luzon qualifiers via Yengskivel Sportswear-CAMANAVA. Renz Apor is 23rd and represents the South Luzon qualifiers via Batang Tiaong-Quezon. Peter John Peteros is 24th and represents the Visayas qualifiers via Khalifa-Cebu.

NBTC program director Eric Altamirano shares, "This is further proof that grassroots basketball is alive and well in the Philippines, and hopefully, as NBTC continues to grow and get stronger, we get more and more promising prospects all over the country."

The NBTC 24 forms the initial pool to comprise Team Heart and Team Hustle for the NBTC All-Star Game, which takes place on the final day of the NBTC National Finals. They will be joined by outstanding international and regional players from the field which will take place at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Aside from the NBTC All-Star Game, there will also be two more special exhibitions, one involving the outstanding participants from the girls division of the Manila Live competition, and an inaugural Manila Showcase, which will pit outstanding players from Manila Live against select National Finals standouts.

All the action in the 2023 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls will be livestreamed on the NBTC and Smart Sports Facebook pages, and will be available on the Smart Livestream app, now free for all networks.

Here's the final 2024 NBTC 24 rankings:

1-Jared Bahay, CESAFI/SHS-Ateneo

2-Kieffer Alas, UAAP/DLSZ

3-Amiel Acido, NCAA/Perpetual

4-Doys Dungo, UAAP/UST

5-Tebol Garcia, UAAP/Adamson

6-Titing Manalili, NCAA/Letran

7-Vince Reyes, UAAP/Adamson

8-Ports Porter, UAAP/Ateneo

9-George Diamante, NCAA/Letran

10-Veejay Pre, UAAP/FEU-D

11-Jhames Daep, NCAA/Letran

12-Jelomar Rota, CESAFI/SHS-Ateneo

13-EJ Castillo, NCAA/EAC

14-John Alejandro, UAAP/UE

15-Lawrence Mangubat, NCAA/Mapua

16-Macmac Alfanta, UAAP/NUNS

17-Mark Gojo Cruz, NCAA/Perpetual

18-Ruvic Danag, NCAA/San Sebastian

19-Daryl Valdeavilla, UAAP/UPIS

20-Wacky Ludovice, UAAP/UST

21-Andre Lumanag, NBTC Mindanao Regionals/Toyomoto Auto Supply-Davao

22-Jevy Hinoguin, NBTC North Luzon Regionals/Yengskivel Sportswear-CAMANAVA

23-Renz Apor, NBTC South Luzon Regionals/Batang Tiaong-Quezon

24-Peter John Peteros, NBTC Visayas Regionals/Khalifa-Cebu

Batang Tiaong tops South Luzon NBTC leg

Batang Tiaong

Batang Tiaong claimed the inaugural South Luzon Regional Championship on Sunday, dispatching St. Jude College-Dasmariñas in the final, 88-63, at the Quezon Convention Center in the city of Lucena.

The home side used strong starts in the first two quarters to break the game open. The trio of John Renz Apor, Aldwin Herrera, and Maury Gorospe scored the first ten points of the match and they never looked back. John Rex Villanueva would then power the team onto a 16-2 start in the second period to put the game out of reach.

Their advantage would eventually balloon to as high as 37 points, which happened at 69-32 midway through the third quarter, before cruising to the final result.

Apor nailed five triples on his way to finish with 23 points en route to being named as the Most Outstanding Player.

Claiming the bronze medal is PCU-Dasmariñas, which held a better win-loss record than One Media TV48-Naga.

NBTC Program Director Eric Altamirano shares, "We're very happy with how our RCs turned out, of course, with big-time assists from all our provincial government and officials. From Laoag, Ilocos Norte to Sarangani to Bacolod, Negros Occidental to Lucena, Quezon Province, kitang-kita natin yung promise and potential ng mga bata all over the Philippines. We can't wait to see them fulfill their dream of playing at the SM Mall of Asia Arena."

Even with the results on Sunday, all four teams booked their spot at the NBTC National Finals, which will take place from March 18-24 at the Mall of Asia Arena. They are final four teams to comprise the sixteen slots allocated to the outstanding teams from the Regional Championships, which were held at Ilocos Norte, Sarangani, Negros Occidental, and Quezon.

Joining them in Pasay are the finalists from the UAAP and NCAA high school tournaments, as well as ten select teams from overseas and a couple of wildcard squads.

A notable feat during this particular RC hosted by the Provincial Government of Quezon was Mick Geronimo scoring 54 points in a single game for Pusong Pinoy Marinduque, while also converting fourteen triples.

Batang Tiaong leads South Luzon contingent for NBTC National Finals

c/o NBTC

The final four teams comprising the Regional Championship qualifiers for the SM NBTC National Finals were confirmed on Saturday, with the results of the South Luzon leg held at Lucena City.

Leading the way amongst the four teams is Batang Tiaong, who booked their return ticket to the Mall of Asia Arena with an 85-77 victory over Team Los Baños.

After their promising debut last year behind the efforts of Vhoris Marasigan, this year's iteration featured the duo of John Renz Apor and John Mowell Morales. The representative of the first and second districts of Quezon seek to improve on their quarterfinal finish, which included an victory over Ateneo de Manila.

Joining them in Pasay is One Media TV48-Naga, as they held on to a 77-72 victory over fellow Bicol side Amando Cope College of Camarines Sur, thanks to the efforts of Joseph Palaje and James Nuada.

Completing the quartet are two squads from Dasmarinas, Cavite. St. Jude College defeated John-Nette Banana Chips-Pinamalayan of Mindoro, 90-83, behind Stanley Gicoso and Lexel Aguilo. The trio of John Catayong, Jay Divinagracia, and Lauro Pronda powered Philippine Christian University to a double-overtime victory over University of Perpetual Help-Laguna. 99-95.

They join North Luzon's Yengskivel Sportswear (CAMANAVA), Philippine College of Science and Technology-Calasiao (Pangasinan), Pampanga Lanterns, and 1 San Rafael (Bulacan); Mindanao's Toyomoto Auto Supply and Bullet Customs Brokerage-Prime Bistro (Davao), Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan-Sealcor, and Notre Dame of Midsayap (SOCCSKSARGEN); and Visayas' Khalifa (Cebu), UNBL-Don Bosco (Dumaguete), Trinity-Davies Paint/El Tzino (Central Negros), and St. Roberts International Academy-Elite Lab (Iloilo) as the regional representatives in the National Finals, which is scheduled for March 18-24.

Action is still set to resume in the tournament hosted by the Quezon Provincial Government led by Governor Helen Tan and Representative Mike Tan, with the semifinals and final still to be played.

Queen City's Khalifa-USJ-R tops Visayas Regionals

Khalifa-USJR

Khalifa-University of San Jose-Recoletos swept their way to the NBTC Visayas Regional Championship on Sunday, dispatching St. Roberts International College-Elite Lab, 62-57, at the Willy and Nolita Au Court inside the campus of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

The Jaguars needed a late burst in the final period to secure the victory, after their Iloilo-based opposition managed to cut the deficit to a single point, 53-52, with less than five minutes remaining.

Jan Vince Oring nailed a three that ignited a 10-4 to put the game on ice.

Khalifa-USJR overcome a sluggish start to put up a 32-29 lead at the half, then turned it up in the third period behind eventual Most Outstanding Player Peter John Peteros and John Nethan Dela Torre to make it 53-44 heading into the final period.

UNBL-Don Bosco of Dumaguete secured the bronze, thanks to their stronger win-loss record against Trinity-Davies of Central Negros.

NBTC Program Director Eric Altamirano shares about the just-concluded RC, "Our Visayas RC was a rousing success, from the competitive games to the amazing young talent that we all got to watch. All of it wouldn't have been possible if not for the all-out support of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Gov. Bong Lacson and head of provincial sports Tony Agustin, and generous sponsors Wilford Sy and Rowela Alacapa."

These four teams will represent the region in the NBTC National Finals, set to take place at the Mall of Asia Arena on March 18-24, where they will face twelve other RC survivors, ten overseas teams, the finalists of the UAAP and NCAA, and two wildcards.

Visayas contingent for NBTC National Finals known

c/o NBTC

The identities of the four teams set to fly to Manila for the 2024 SMART-NBTC National Finals has been confirmed with the semifinal field finalized at the Visayas Regional Championships held in Bacolod.

Negros squads almost secured all available spots, but could only manage two berths.

UNBL-Don Bosco of Dumaguete snapped up a spot with a 54-40 win, thanks to Emmanuel Catalan, who was the only player who scored in double figures.

The other Negros-based team to lock in a berth was Trinity-Davies Paint/El Tzino, as they won their matchup, 78-65, behind the efforts of John Loyd Martinez and Austin John Braganza.

Khalifa-ANS Sports of Cebu and St. Roberts International College-Elite Lab of Iloilo prevented the Negros sweep, with the former toppling STI-West Negros University-Nzane, 75-63, and the latter dispatching Bacolod Tay Tung High School on their court, 72-48.

Pacing the Cebuanos were Judd Kyle Rueda and Peter John Peteros, while Justin Rafael Cargo and Rengie Ecarma led the Ilonggos in the win.

The quartet join the other RC sides who have earned their way into the National Finals scheduled on March 18-24: Yengskivel Sportswear (CAMANAVA), Philippine College of Science and Technology-Calasiao (Pangasinan), Pampanga Lanterns, and 1 San Rafael (Bulacan) and Mindanao qualifiers Toyomoto Auto Supply and Bullet Customs Brokerage-Prime Bistro (Davao), Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan-Sealcor, and Notre Dame of Midsayap (SOCCSKSARGEN).

Action will resume on Sunday as the four remaining teams tangle to determine who is the regional champion, which is supported by the Negros Occidental Provincial Government, led by Governor Bong Lacson.

The final set of RCs is scheduled this coming early March, with the city of Lucena hosting the South Luzon leg.

Toyomoto Auto Supply claims NBTC Mindanao Regionals crown

Toyomoto Auto Supply

Toyomoto Auto Supply escaped as the inaugural NBTC Mindanao Regional Championship winners, having eked out an 87-85 victory against Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan-Sealcor in the final on Sunday at the Sarangani Capitol Gym.

Norman Cagampang was the hero of the day for the Davao-based squad, nailing a triple with 0.7 seconds remaining. He was also fouled during that attempt, in which the guard opted to deliberately miss the bonus free throw in order to let the clock run out.

It was a gut-wrenching defeat for the Kingfishers, who held an 85-82 lead with 32 seconds remaining before coughing up the final points of the match. They came into the match with a four-match winning streak before wilting in the end.

Andre Lumanag was named as the RC's Most Outstanding Player.

Fellow Davao-based side Bullet Customs Brokerage-Prime Bistro secured third place over Notre Dame of Midsayap thanks to their stronger win-loss record.

NBTC program director Eric Altamirano shares, "Just like North Luzon, we saw here in Mindanao na andami pa rin talagang promising na bata all over the Philippines. We're just honored na makapagbigay tayo ng stage for them to showcase their talents all the way to Mall of Asia Arena."

For the four teams mentioned, the National Finals beckons at the Mall of Asia this coming March 18-24. They will have to fend off a field that includes twelve other RC qualifiers, ten invited teams from overseas, the finalists of the UAAP and NCAA high school competitions, and a couple of wildcards to be crowned the best under-19 team in the country.

Mindanao contingent for NBTC National Finals known

c/o NBTC

Mindanao's representation at the 2024 SMART-NBTC National Finals has been secured with the results from the quarterfinals of their Regional Championship at the Sarangani Capitol Gym.

Two of those teams are based in Davao City, with Bullet Customs Brokerage-Prime Bistro defeating El Kids Esperanza, 82-58, and Toyomoto Auto Supply toppling Cor Jesu College x El Granjero of Digos, 79-68. Starring for the former is Keith Francis Marquez, while the latter touts Andre Lumanag.

Notre Dame of Midsayap claimed the third berth after Jeffrey Malacapag and the Rams defeated Breakthrough Basketball of Tagum, 85-77. while Vince Acut and Elihu Alcover led the Xavier-Ateneo de Cagayan-Sealcor snapped up the last spot after an 88-83 triumph over Team Harbor Pilot Sports of Misamis Occidental.

These four teams join the four teams who locked in their slots during the North Luzon RC in Laoag: Yengskivel Sportswear (CAMANAVA), Philippine College of Science and Technology-Calasiao (Pangasinan), Pampanga Lanters, and 1 San Rafael (Bulacan).

Four more teams are set to be confirmed in each of the two remaining RCs, the Visayas leg in Bacolod on February 16-18 and the South Luzon leg in Lucena on March 1-3.

The other berths for the National Finals scheduled between March 18-24 are to be allocated to the finalists of the UAAP and the NCAA's high school competitions, teams from the NBTC's Global Partners, and a couple of wildcard entries.

NBTC Coaches Convention set for return

coming back

With things stabilizing post-pandemic, the National Basketball Training Center is set to revive its Coaching Convention later this year.

Established in 2011, Filipino tacticians worldwide will be headed to both the SM Mall of Asia Arena and the CCF Center on March 21-23, coinciding with the SMART-NBTC National Finals. They will have the chance to pick the brains and build networks of their peers and fellow instructors.

For this upcoming iteration of one of the NBTC's foremost projects, it is in collaboration with Coaches Academy of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, which under the mentorship of Jong Uichico. Having the organization enables the convention to secure a wider reach, extending towards the provinces and getting those mentors equipped with the tools necessary to develop the next generation of Filipinos everywhere.

In revealing this partnership, NBTC program director Eric Altamirano shares, "It’s an honor for the NBTC to partner with the SBP Coaches Academy in this noble endeavor. We’re happy for the return of the NBTC Coaches Convention since the pandemic happened and it’s part of our vision to not only focus on the youth, but also the coaches who are their stewards as we hope to mold future leaders through the sport of basketball."

Last held in 2019, over a thousand coaches were involved, with former NBA player Metta World Peace, as well as top-caliber coaches Tab Baldwin and Rob Beveridge sharing their insights.

Ilocos Norte, Sarangani, Cebu, Batangas picked to host inaugural NBTC Regional Championships

Eric Altamirano and Matthew Manotoc

The National Basketball Training Center is ready for some regional madness.

Four locations have been selected to host the inaugural Regional Championships for the 2024 SMART-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls next year.

Program Director Eric Altamirano says about this new development, "It’s about time we expand the glory of the National Finals to the regions. This is the NBTC’s way of upping the ante as we aim to discover more Filipino talents from the provinces."

The field for these four RCs will be comprised of the winners of the 68 Local City Qualifiers, with the semifinalists from each RC locking in a spot in the National Finals, which is slated to take place this coming March 18-24 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Laoag is hosting the first RC, with the Centennial Arena being the venue for the North Luzon leg this coming January 18-21. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc says, "We’re honored to be the first to kick off the NBTC RCs and we’re excited to unearth the best young talents from North Luzon."

The remaining RCs will take place at these locations:

• Mindanao: February 1-4 at the Sarangani Sports Training Center, hosted by Governor Rogelio Pacquiao
• Visayas: February 15-18 at the Cebu Coliseum, hosted by the Cebu Landmasters
• South Luzon: February 29-March 3 at the Batangas City Sports Center, hosted by Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha-Mariño and the University of Batangas.

Select games from these RCs will be streamed worldwide through SMART Livestream application, as well as the Facebook pages of the NBTC and SMART Sports.

Overseas teams set for NBTC participation

The quest to discover the next Filipino baller continues with fourteenth edition of the National Basketball Training Center.

And with the diaspora making themselves more relevant in the grassroots scene, the SMART-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls will provide an opportunity for these players to be recognized.

Ten slots have been allocated for overseas-based teams, with teams from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East set to participate.

NBTC program director Eric Altamirano shares, "This is part of our continuing commitment to Philippine basketball, as we not only uplift the grassroots level through our Local City Qualifiers, but also try to track down more young players who have Filipino blood that have tremendous potential to help our national team in the future."

To comprise each overseas team in the field, talent identification camps are already being established in order to get the squads ready for the National Finals scheduled this coming March at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Among the notable players that have come from these overseas teams are current Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, who was part of FilAm Sports-USA's squad before plying his trade with the G League Ignite. Another product of FilAm Sports-USA is Kai Ballungay, who helped Ateneo win a UAAP championship last year. His current teammate with the Blue Eagles, Mason Amos, was part of Camp David-New Zealand before matriculating at Loyola Heights.

The NBTC has also shared a little bit of light on the remaining two available berths, which is to be determined through a pre-qualifying tournament.

Scheduled for March 14-16, said tournament will involve aspiring international clubs, as well as outstanding LCQ teams that fell short in their respective Regional Championships. Half of the National Finals field is coming from the RCs, as the semifinalists from the four locations: North and South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, each earn a spot.

The RCs are expected to be streamed through the NBTC's Facebook page, thanks to the assistance of program partners like Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc, Batangas City Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha-Mariño and the University of Batangas, and the Cebu Landmasters.

The National Finals will also be streamed there as well, while also being broadcast on both the SMART Livestream app and the Facebook page of SMART Sports.

The field will be completed by the finalists of the UAAP and NCAA HS basketball competitions.

NBTC tweaked up for 14th season

The 14th season of the National Basketball Training Center will see a new look for the organization, as it remains committed towards grassroots development.

Meeting with the media at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday, program director Eric Altamirano said that the NBTC will continue to develop skills, build character, and raise leaders, while at the same time continue to march forward into the future wearing a fresh coat of paint.

He explains, "It’s the NBTC’s way of keeping up with the times while also staying true to its core values."

For the 2024 edition of the under-19 championship, the NBTC will have 72 Local City Qualifiers in 96 different cities. All roads would then lead to the four Regional Championships in North and South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, with spots in the SMART-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls on the line.

The finalists of the UAAP and NCAA HS divisions will secure automatic spots, with a couple of yet-to-be-determined wildcards. The last berths are then to be allocated to teams based overseas.

In explaining the adjustments, competition-wise, Altamirano shares, "We want to empower the local players, so that they can see a pathway for them to really earn their place among the best."

Matches at the National Finals this coming March are expected to take place next year at the Mall of Asia Arena, with fans worldwide able to check it out through the SMART LiveStream app and the Facebook pages of the NBTC and SMART Sports. As for the regional championships, the NBTC page on Facebook is expected to show the games, thanks to the support of program partners like Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc, the University of Batangas, and the Cebu Landmasters.

Aside from the games, the NBTC is expected to raise its social media profile, with an upcoming #LakingNBTC campaign set for launch, highlighting on its growing alumni base.

Noted participants in the competition include Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, recent national team call-ups Kevin Alas, Scottie Thompson, and Arvin Tolentino, current B-League standouts Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena, as well as Carl Tamayo, and current collegiate standouts JD Cagulangan, CJ Cansino, and Will Gozum.

Bullpups retain NBTC Division 1 title

RJ Colonia

NU Nazareth School retained its Division 1 title by defeating Fil-Nation Select, 75-64 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, capping off a frenetic few days of the 2023 SMART-NBTC National Finals.

Less than 24 hours after a double-overtime classic against Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, the Bullpups opened the game by allowing their US-based opposition to score the first ten points. They managed to settle themselves down and made it a neck-and-neck battle until they took over in the final period.

Buckets from Pervy Timbang and RJ Colonia allowed NUNS to take the lead for good at 67-63 with 2:40 left. That would eventually turn into a 12-1 run to claim third straight title.

Kevin de Castro shares, "We did not even think that this would be our fourth [title.] I just told the boys to treat this game like Gilas vs. USA. That was the fire that I used for them to get going in this game."

He adds, "We’re blessed because somehow, we have a player like Reinhard who can lead the team. We went through defeats in the UAAP, we got one here in the NBTC and hopefully, he brings it to college."

Jumamoy, who was named as the Division 1 Ato Badolato Most Outstanding Player, finished with a triple-double with sixteen points, fifteen rebounds, and ten assists. He also added five steals in the victory.

Colonia contributed 23 points and ten rebounds, while Kurt Perciano added ten markers.

Jason Mandaquit Jr led Fil-Nation Select with sixteen points and six rebounds while Jacob Bayla adding thirteen points and ten rebounds.

Jumamoy, Colonia, and Mandaquit are joined by the Magis Eagles duo of Jared Bahay and Raffy Celis as they comprise the Mythical Team.

For Division 2, Earl Sapasap of champions Team Tarlac was named as the Ato Badolato MOP. He is joined on the Mythical Team by Matthew Jucom of Don Bosco-Dumaguete, Lebron Nieto of Ateneo, Kaden Puletua of Homegrown Australia, and Sean Bondoc of Doc Boleros.

The NBTC National Finals is backed by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App by NBN23, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Mr. Freeze, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Team Tarlac claims NBTC Division 2 title

The Division 2 final of the 2023 SMART-NBTC National saw Team Tarlac pull off a come-from-behind 86-84 victory over Royal Trading Star-Don Bosco-Dumaguete on Sunday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Negrense side led by as much as twenty in the first half, before Team Tarlac took over in the final twenty minutes to become the first champion that is a non-school entrant in the competition.

Head coach Julius dela Vega shares, "This is a big thing for us, our province, and all provincial teams. We've shown we can compete."

Earl Sapasap sparked a 6-1 run that turned a 76-77 deficit into a 82-78 advantage with 2:56 remaining, but the Greywolves hung on until a Kit Bonus bucket made its 86-82 with 42 seconds remaining. Bonus would finish with 21 points, four rebounds, five steals, and three blocks.

Providing additional support for Team Tarlac are RJ Liwanag's eighteen points, with Jahmir Adrian Eligado contributing sixteen.

Matthew Jucom led Don Bosco with 25 points, but managed just five markers in the second half. MJ Hendric Vailoces netted sixteen points, while Jay Stephen Garupil chipped in fifteen of his own. Also tallying in double figures are John Mycco Deposoy and Cary Bruce Aure with ten apiece in a losing effort.

Team Tarlac joins fellow Division 2 champions La Salle-Lipa, Assumption Montessori School, and St. Augustine Institute.

The NBTC National Finals is backed by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App by NBN23, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Mr. Freeze, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

SJ Moore, Team Hustle claim NBTC All-Star Game nod

Team Hustle and Team Heart

The future of Philippine basketball showed about at the Under Armour-NBTC All-Star Game, which made its return for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement.

Team Hustle emerged as 108-91 winners over Team Heart at the Mall of Asia Arena, with SJ Moore named as the Most Outstanding Player.

The Arellano standout scored nineteen points in the showpiece event of the biggest grassroots tournament in the country, which is backed by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten.

Ranked 15th in the NBTC 24, Moore shared about the experience, "For me, it was about being the top player among the 24 best."

He adds, "Especially, getting a chance a play with all the best NCAA's juniors (players), I'm lucky to be chosen to be the best player."

Moore scored ten points in the first quarter for Cholo Villanueva-coached Team Hustle, as they asserted themselves early on. They would extend that advantage into the second period, erecting a 55-39 halftime lead.

The lead would balloon to as much as 25 points late in the third period, 86-61. Team Heart would manage to reduce the deficit to as low as twelve with 80 seconds remaining at 100-88, but time ran out for the comeback attempt.

Kieffer Alas of La Salle-Zobel added fourteen markers, with Andy Gemao of Letran adding thirteen of his own.

Villanueva added about the NBTC All-Star Game experience, "For me it's a great experience being a coach. You want to be honing the next generation of basketball players and being a part of this event is really a privilege for me."

Chris Hubilla of San Beda led the Ty Tang-coached Team Heart with 27 points.

In the side events, Lorence dela Cruz of Winnipeg edged out Caelum Harris of Fil-Nation Select for the Slam Dunk crown, with the 5'9" guard nailing a one-handed windmill off a bounce pass, impressing the three-man panel of Mikey Williams, Glenn Khobuntin, and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.

He then would put it on ice with a two-handed 360.

John Rex Villanueva of Batang Tiaong claimed the Three-Point Shootout, converting fifteen from deep and besting Kobe Chong of Saint Jude Catholic School, who could only manage eleven.

In the Skills Challenge, Kristian Porter beat out Vhoris Marasign in the final, finishing the course at 22.2 seconds.

The NBTC National Finals is supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App by NBN23, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Mr. Freeze, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Fil-Nation Select claims Girls Have Next title

Fil-Nation Select USA made history on Sunday, as they claimed the inaugural Girls Have Next powered by Fil-Nation Select at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The US-based squad held off NU Nazareth for the crown, 63-54, with Harvard-commit Nina Emnace scoring a team-high seventeen points.

The Lady Bullpups did manage to make things interesting, with Cielo Pagdulagan's back-to-back buckets allowing them to retake the lead at 43-41 after trailing by eight at the half.

However, the lead was short-lived as an Emnace triple allowed Fil-Nation Select to retake the lead.

NUNS had a final chance to contest this one after Rachelle Mendoza cut the deficit to 58-52 with 4:32 left, but Fil-Nation Select had an answer, capped off by an Isabella de Jesus triple with 2:32 left to make it a nine-point lead.

Head coach Roger Mantua shared afterwards, "I believe that was a well-earned win. The girls were just playing hard (and) stayed disciplined. There were a few lapses, but I think the girls were able to overcome that. They overcame the obstacles and we can see the results. They played together as a team."

The NBTC National Finals is sponsored by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App by NBN23, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Mr. Freeze, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Currently ongoing is the NBTC All-Star Game and its corresponding side events, with the finals of Division 2 and 1 also set to take place, with basketball fans able to watch via Facebook through the NBTC, SMART Sports, and Puso Pilipinas pages.

Bullpups back in NBTC National Finals

Jared Bahay and Reinhard Jumamoy

The three-peat is still alive at the 2023 SMART-NBTC National Finals presented by SM.

NU Nazareth School kept their title hopes flickering after surviving a 91-90 double overtime classic against Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Landmasters on Saturday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

RJ Colonia capped off his 29-point outburst through free throws with 5.9 seconds to provide some breathing room for the Bullpups. Elijah Yusi provided additional support with 21 points.

Head coach Kevin de Castro shared after the game, "Sabi ko lang sa boys kapit at kaya namin ito. Ito yung character-building win na hinahanap namin kaya sabi lang namin, walang bibitaw."

In a matchup between two of the best high school guards in the country, Reinhard Jumamoy and Jared Bahay put out a show.

The UAAP HS MVP finished with 23 points, twelve rebounds, eight assists, and six steals. The CESAFI Juniors MVP, on the other hand, finished with 23 points, including a triple to close out scoring in the second extension. The top player in the NBTC 24 also added five assists, and four rebounds.

Also producing for the Magis Eagles are Michael Asoro and his 27 points, including a corner three that forced the first overtime. He also added six rebounds. Fellow NBTC All-Star Raffy Celis secured a double-double with sixteen points and ten boards.

NUNS will face off against Fil-Nation Select in the Division 1 final, after the US-based squad dispatched UST, 74-66.

An 8-3 finishing run  capped by a Sean Alter slam provided the necessary breathing room, as they became the first overseas-based team to make the final of the biggest grassroots basketball tournament in the country.

Caelum Harris tacked on twelve points and three rebounds, while Jacob Bayla contributed eleven points and three boards.

Mark Llemit led the Tiger Cubs with 27 points, four rebounds, a couple of assists, and four steals. He also converted four of his five triples in this one.

The NUNS vs Fil-Nation Select matchup will take place at 5pm and will cap off activities at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

Starting things off is the 9am final of the Girls Have Next, also featuring Fil-Nation Select and NUNS, with the NBTC All-Star Game and its side events at noon. The Division 2 final between Team Tarlac and Royal Star Trading-Don Bosco Dumaguete is at 3pm.

Action on that day will be streamed on the Facebook pages of the NBTC, SMART Sports, and Puso Pilipinas.

The NBTC National Finals is sponsored by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App by NBN23, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Mr. Freeze, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Mandaquit, seven others named to Under Armour NBTC All-Star Game

Jason Mandaquit

Jason Mandaquit of Fil-Nation Select leads the late additions for the 2023 Under Armour-NBTC All-Star Game scheduled for Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Mandaquit averaged twenty points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists to lead the US-based's campaign in the NBTC National Finals, and he will join teammate Jacob Bayla in the Ty Tang-coached Team Heart alongside fellow late additions Michael Asoro of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu and Vhoris Marasigan of Batang Tiaong.

Caelum Harris, on the other hand, will be a part of the Cholo Villanueva-coached Team Hustle, which also has tapped Lorence dela Cruz of Winnipeg, Devin Fikes of Toronto, and John Mowell Morales of Batang Tiaong.

For the side events, freshly-crowned NCAA champion Andy Gemao, Arwin Alforque, and George Diamante will face off against Harris and dela Cruz in the Slam Dunk Contest. There will also be a three-point shootout and Skills Challenge, with the field still to be determined.

All of the Sunday festivities will be shown via streaming through the Facebook pages of NBTC, SMART Sports, Puso Pilipinas.

Both division finals will follow the All-Star Game, with the matchup for Division 2 already confirmed.

Team Tarlac pulled off the 86-77 victory against Ateneo, behind the duo of RJ Liwanag and Earl Sapasap. The former led the way with twenty points, four assists, and four steals, while the latter stuffed the stat sheet with twelve points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and seven steals.

Tarlac uncorked a 38-point second quarter before cruising their way in the second half, as they await Don Bosco-Dumaguete, which emerged as 82-58 winners over Homegrown Australia. Matthew Jucom led the way for the Greywolves with twenty points, four rebounds, a couple of assists and a couple of steals.

John Deposoy added fifteen points, three assists, and three steals, as Don Bosco opened the game with a 20-7 run and never looked back.

The Division 1 final will take place afterwards, with the winner of Fil-Nation Select and UST going up against the winner of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and National University Nazareth School. The two games are set to completed Saturday night.

Opening things up on Sunday is the inaugural Girls Have Next tournament final between Fil-Nation Select and NUNS. The two squads emerged out of the round robin matches that took place at the Pretty Huge facility in Taguig.

The NBTC National Finals is backed by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App by NBN23, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Mr. Freeze, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Jared Bahay, Reinhard Jumamoy set for Fearless Four face off

The two best high school guards in the country are set for a duel, as Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and NU Nazareth School won their respective matches to set up one of the two semifinal matches at the 2023 SMART NBTC National Finals presented by SM.

Backed by Landmasters, the CESAFI champions torched Mapua-Malayan from beyond the arc on their way to a 90-75 victory, as they creep closer for a chance to claim their third title in the tournament.

Jared Bahay nailed eight triples to finish with 31 points, as the Magis Eagles finished with 14/26 shooting from beyond the arc. He shared afterwards, "I'm just thankful. I just asked for guidance from Him to be able to play this game. It's sweet to help our team return to the Fearless Four."

Michael Asoro added twenty points on five triples, with Raffy Celis contributing a double-double with seventeen points and ten rebounds.

The defending champions are not far behind, as they blew out Pampanga Delta, 94-52, with Reinhard Jumamoy falling a steal short of a quadruple-doubl with 27 points, ten rebounds, twelve assists, and nine steals.

The NBTC All-Star shared post-match, "I just trusted my teammates. We did not expect this big win, but we just stuck to our game plan and we were able to stop Rhyle [Melencio]."

The other semifinal will have Fil-Nation Select going up against the University of Santo Tomas.

The former ended the Cinderella run of Batang Tiaong with a 91-79 beatdown, with Jason Mandaquit erupting for 31 points. Dasean Brodie added seventeen markers and six rebounds. Gilas Youth standout Caelum Harris also added twelve and six.

Vhoris Marasigan led the Quezon LQT champions with 31 points.

The latter squeaked past Toronto, 66-65, as Charles Bucsit made two out of three free throws with 0.5 seconds left after he was fouled by Kobe Tablate. He would finish with sixteen points in the win.

The Canadian side had been set to take that spot after a Michael Ramos triple with 5.8 seconds remaining before the foul call that set up the ending for the Tiger Cubs.

Arjay Pantaleon and James Jumao-as each added twelve points.

The Division 1 semifinals will start with Fil-Nation Select and UST at 5pm, followed by SHS-AdC against NUNS at 630pm. All games scheduled that day will be streamed online through the Facebook pages of the NBTC, SMART Sports, and Puso Pilipinas.

The NBTC National Finals isbacked by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.