Four Filipinos in Jr. NBA Asia-Pacific roster for the Global Championship

The Jr. NBA Asia-Pacific team for the Jr. NBA Global Championship

The Jr. NBA Asia-Pacific Global Championship roster has been finalized, and the Philippines is very much represented as the biggest contributor.

Three Filipino boys (Henjz Gabriel Demisana, Sebastian Roy Reyes, Lionel Matthew Rubico) and a Filipina girl (Dianne Camille Nolasco) made the final cuts by the Jr. NBA coaches in Jakarta during the Asia-Pacific Selection Camp, which took place last June 15-16 at the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) in the Indonesian capital.

When asked about making it to the Asia-Pacific team, this is what the four shared:

Demisana: "Basketball has given me many opportunities with one of them being able to play in the Jr. NBA program. I’m very proud to join the Asia Pacific team competing in the Jr. NBA Global Championship."

Nolasco: "When I first saw my opponents, I didn’t expect to be here since they’re so tall, but I brought the Filipino mentality ‘puso’ which helped achieve my goal of being part of the Jr. NBA Asia Pacific girls team."

Reyes: "I’m excited for the competition in the United States because it will be a lot harder than in Asia. Representing the Philippines is a big deal for myself because not all kids have an opportunity to play for their country."

Rubico: "My coaches always reminded to go hard to the basket, not be afraid, believe in myself, and fight with all my heart. I’m looking forward to meeting new friends and challenging the talented players from around the world."

The quartet made it out of the 34 boys and 34 girls from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Completing the Asia-Pacific roster for the Jr. NBA Global Championship are the following:

BOYS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Henjz Gabriel	Demisana	Philippines
Joshua	Dent	Australia
Tan Zi Sheng	Jayson	Singapore
Email Ajmal Bin	Jamil	Malaysia
Brian	Leonard	Indonesia
Eishin	Naito	Japan
Dontae	Nance	New Zealand
Sebastian Roy	Reyes	Philippines
Lionel Matthew	Rubico	Philippines
Tikun	Sriphrawiang	Thailand

GIRLS ROSTER:

First Name	Last Name	Country
Supawadee	Aupatum	Thailand
Angelica Jenifer	Candra	Indonesia
Reina	Fukuo	Japan
Summah	Hanson	Australia
Chong Pui	Khee	Malaysia
Phung Trang	Linh	Vietnam
Diane Camille	Nolasco	Philippines
Vanissa Renata	Siregar	Indonesia
Lily	Taulelei	New Zealand
Iris	Yuen	Singapore

Jr. NBA Coaches Carlos Barroca, Natalia Andre, and Rob Newson taught the campers lessons on executing technical and tactical skills, as well as having them develop teamwork among teammates with varying languages and cultural backgrounds.

There was also a Jr. NBA All-Star Saturday Night, where select Indonesian personalities and Jr. NBA Indonesia alumni were featured, including IBL guard Daniel Wenas, actress/singer Mikha Tambayong, and social media influencers Hadi al-Ghifary and Reynal Abipraya

The Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 presented by Alaska was conducted in partnership with AXA, Gatorade, Globe, Panasonic, Rexona, and Vivo. ABS-CBN S+A, Basketball TV, and NBA Premium act as its official broadcasters.