4th SLAM Rising Classic set for Sunday

SLAM Philippines is set to bring together 24 of the best high school standouts for the fourth edition of the SLAM Rising Stars Classic.

Fueled by Gatorade, outfitted by Adidas, supported by Titan, with SMART as its official telecommunications partner and Resorts World Manila as its venue partner, the SLAM Rising Stars Classic is scheduled to take place on March 26 at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong, with LIVE televised coverage on S+A at 6pm or immediately after the UAAP volleyball action.

SLAM PH's Executive Editor Nikko Ramos says, "The SLAM Rising Stars Classic gives us hoop heads a cheat code, an advanced screening, a quick peek into what the future holds. With RSC alumni now becoming some of the biggest names in college basketball, we at SLAM take pride in being there for them early: providing for them a unique opportunity to play with and against the best competition, on the biggest stage, in front of scouts, coaches and the rest of the country." He adds, "As we go on another year featuring the brightest stars on the come-up, SLAM is proud to be able to say: “We was there with them when they was shooting at the gym.""

Notable SLAM Rising Stars Classic alums include the Rivero brothers and Aljun Melecio of La Salle, as well as the Nieto twins and Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo, as well as the likes of Diego Dario of UP, Rev Diputado of NU, and Radge Tongco of San Beda.

Last year's edition saw Melecio lead Team Punks to a 103-98 win over Team Hype, finishing with twelve points, four rebounds, and two assists as the MVP.

Batch 2017 of the SLAM Rising Stars

Coaching Team Punks is Willie Miller and assisted Gian Nazario of La Salle-Zobel, while coaching Team Hype is Tony dela Cruz and assisted by Joe Silva of Ateneo.

Conducting the combine and practices for both teams in International Skills Trainer Drew Dunlop.

Team Punks will be composed of Sam Abu Hijleh (SBC), John Lloyd Clemente (NU), Guilmer dela Torre (AU), Aaron Fermin (AU), Dave Ildefonso (ADMU), Troy Mallillin (LSGH), Unique Naboa (LSGH), Miguel Oczon (CKSC), Harvey Pagsanjan (HCHS), Karl Penano (NU), Kenji Roman (FEU) and Jasper Salenga (MIT).

Team Hype will be bannered by Carlo Abadeza (AU), Rhayyan Amsali (NU), Lj Gonzales (FEU), Winderlich Coyoca (NU), Juan Gomez de Liano (UPIS), Will Gozum (MIT), Rom Junsay (MIT), Germy Mahinay (SBC), Robert Minerva (CKSC), Martin Romero (DLSZ), Joshua Tagala (SBC) and Jonas Tibayan (CKSC).

For more information, log on to www.slamonlineph.com, or follow SLAM PHILIPPINES on Facebook, @slamonlineph on Twitter and Instagram. #SLAMRisingStars