NBA launches new Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA app

Jr. NBA app (c/o NBA)

In a move to further build on its grassroots development, the NBA recently launched the My Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA app, a unified global digital hub tailored for program participants, coaches, referees, parents, as well as competition managers and operators.

With the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program spanning across over 190 countries and territories worldwide, the app, which is available as a free download on both the App Store and Google Play, will be its primary digital destination and one-stop-shop.

Organizers will find the key tools and resources needed to oversee a Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program on the app, including competition management, registration and data features, live game streaming, and integrated communication capabilities. In addition, it can support multiple languages, as well as handle geo-targeted content, and both app and web-based access.

The key features of the app include:

• Competition Management: Program operators can manage schedules, standings, results, brackets, box scores, play‑by‑play and multimedia galleries all in one place.
• Live Streaming: Coverage of Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA leagues and tournaments.
• Registration Hub: Simplified sign‑ups, waiver processing and participant tracking.
• Communication Tools: Direct updates for participants, parents, coaches, referees and organizers.
• Event Information: Centralized access to Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA events and activities, including program entry.

Considered as the NBA's global youth basketball program, the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA aims to teach fundamental skills and core values of the game, specifically teamwork, respect, determination, and community, at the grassroots level in an effort to help enrich the youth basketball experience for players, coaches, and parents. To do this, it updated its curriculum, now featuring a games-based approach, with over a hundred new activities across 48 practice plans, using small-sided games to boost player engagement and decision-making.

Naga set for NBTC South Luzon Regional hosting in 2027 as part of Bicol's tweaks

c/o NBTC

NAGA is stepping up to the plate as the hosts for the 2027 NBTC South Luzon Regional Championship, with the hopes of revitalizing grassroots basketball in the Bicol Region.

“I think it's about time we have this program for the Bicol Region,” said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano during the launch on Friday at Buffalo's Wings N Things MAAX. “I’m delighted to have this leadership for Region 5. Launching a program is completely different from sustaining it and the challenge is not just how we start but how we continue and sustain it."

Longtime commissioner Allan Augusto is leading the Bicol Basketball Training Center as its area head and will be supported by program partners Pablo Roel and Tyrone Paul Weber.

“Masakit kasi sa part naming mga sports league sa Region 5 na pagdating sa South Luzon [Regional Championship], hindi na tayo manalo. Paano tayo makakarating ng National Finals at ano ba yung lunas sa problema? Nakita natin na kailangan magkaroon sa sustainability ng program," said Augusto.

Working with them are local commissioners Roland Jarque for Albay, John Salvador and Al Francis Requinta of Camarines Sur, Fidel Vegim of Catanduanes, Agustin Polo of Sorsogon, and Hurley Cleofe of Masbate, as well as consultant Bob De Vera, media partner Joe Osabal, technical head  Johannes Guerrero, assistant technical head Nobert Hayag, and technical consultant Emman Faraon as consultants.

Naga College Foundation was the last Bicolano team to reach the National Finals back in 2024, with the Tigers proudly representing Albay.

Bicol Basketball Training Center is also hopeful to produce the next Justin Arana, a native of Daet, Camarines Norte, as the group laid out a year-long plan to keep the basketball community in the region vibrant in the leadup to the 17th season of the Philippine national 19-under championship next year.

Second edition of NBA Rising Stars Invitational set this June

NBA Rising Stars Invitational

The National Basketball Association officially announced that it will bring back the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in a couple of months.

Launched last year, the second edition of the competition bringing together select 18-and-under boys' and girls' teams across the Asia-Pacific will take place at the OCBC Arena in Singapore this June 22-28.

In sharing the announcement, NBA Asia's Head of Southeast Asia Sheila Rasu notes, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational set a benchmark for high-school basketball in Asia-Pacific.  As we return to Singapore for the consecutive second year, we look forward to delivering another unforgettable week of programming featuring some of the region’s best young talent, brought to life through the NBA’s signature mix of sports and family-friendly entertainment."

Done in collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board, supported by the Karim Family Foundation, and operated by the event agencies of NBA Singapore, twelve teams each from the boys' and girls' division will tangle in round robin action before heading into the knockout phase.

Teams were selected with the assistance of the national basketball federations and leagues, as well as through local qualifying tournaments in Bangkok, Melbourne, Taipei, and Tokyo. As hosts, Singapore has been granted two teams in both divisions.

Aside from competition, players will also go through skill development sessions, social impact programming, and off-court activities promoting cultural exchange. Outstanding ballers will have the opportunity to attend future NBA basketball development camps, showcases, and programs.

Gracing the proceedings are Jeremy Lin and Lauren Jackson, with both set to interact with the participants throughout the week. The former shares, "I’m incredibly excited to be part of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore.  There is so much young talent across Asia-Pacific, and I’m proud to be part of an event that shines a spotlight on some of the region’s top prospects.  Helping shape the next generation is a cause I’m deeply committed to, and I hope my journey encourages these rising stars to make the most of this opportunity and ultimately contribute to greater Asian representation at the highest levels of the game."

As for the latter, she says, "Last year’s NBA Rising Stars Invitational was a remarkable showcase of talent and determination, and I witnessed firsthand how much the stage and experience meant to the players.  I look forward to returning to Singapore this June and helping these amazing athletes continue their development."

Aside from the two champions, additional current and former NBA players will be heading to the Lion City for the event.

In addition to the action, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational will also have additional activations in place all week for fans, including community outreach initiatives, photo opportunities, authentic NBA memorabilia, player appearances and meet-and-greet sessions, exclusive clinics, as well as live entertainment and interactive fan experiences.

From the perspective of the hosts, SportSG Deputy Chief of Industry Development Group Dean Tan says, "The inaugural NBA Rising Stars Invitational in 2025 was an outstanding success, with 22 teams from 11 countries competing, more than 9,000 local and international spectators catching the action live, and many more watching online.  This year’s tournament builds on last year’s success and will be a platform that connects youths across borders and sharpens their skills, through high-level competition and elite mentorship from NBA talents and legends.  We look forward to witnessing students who have qualified through Singapore’s largest annual inter-school competition take centre stage alongside our region’s top youth talents, showcasing the next generation of top basketball players on home ground."

STB Director of Sports Lilian Chee adds, "We are delighted to welcome the return of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational to Singapore.  The tournament enhances Singapore’s vibrant events landscape and reinforces our position as a premier sporting destination.  We look forward to hosting the young athletes from across Asia-Pacific alongside their families and friends, as well as NBA players.  Beyond the competition, we hope they will create memorable experiences, forge meaningful connections, and draw inspiration from their time in Singapore."

For more details on the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, one can check out www.nbarisingstarsinvitational.com. The competition is also on Instagram and YouTube.

Top Flight Sports Canada earns Division 2 spot in NBTC National Finals classification phase

c/o NBTC

Top Flight Sports Canada kickstarted its Division 2 reclamation bid in resounding fashion, waylaying Batang Europa Scandinavia, 99-48, in the classification round of the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls on Tuesday at SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Robyn Florendo flourished with 20 points and four rebounds, Jemuel Castro added 13 points, and Malcolm Tyler nabbed a double-double of 12 points and 11 boards in the blowout to put behind the Fil-Canadian's losses in the first two days.

The day which divided the house into Divisions 2 and 3 also saw a few blowouts.

De La Salle Zobel bounced back with the most lopsided victory of the season after a 77-point blowout win against Gladiators Germany, 108-31, at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Maco Dabao, NBTC's no. 2-ranked high school player, had a solid outing of 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists to steer the Junior Archers to Division 2.

Sequioa Hotels Camp NZ also drowned Maharlika Malta by 65 points, 137-72, behind Aidan Macasero's 25 points.

Roderick Cambarijan also exploded for 20 points in Magis Eagles Cebu Landmasters' 107-66 rout of Canada Central Hoops Nation.

And Urbana Studios x San Beda Red Cubs got their groove back with an 84-76 win over Loverz Gadgets Zambo Sur after Adiam Larosa's 30 points from eight triples.

With all 48 teams already being grouped into the three divisions, the Philippine national 19-under championship shifts into high gear with the Supreme 16 as the knockout rounds begin on Wednesday at SM Mall of Asia Arena, Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Here are the schedules for Wednesday's games :

SM Mall of Asia Arena
8:00am - Sequoia Hotels Camp NZ vs Playtown Exclusive
9:30am - RSY Group of Companies vs Oasis Ballers Eastern Samar
11:00am - DLSZ Junior Archers vs Mapua Red Robins
12:30pm - Magis Eagles Cebu Landmasters vs Urbana Studios x San Beda
2:00pm - North Luzon D'Generals vs Arceegee - St. Clare
3:30pm - Fil-Am Nation USA vs Homegrown Australia
5:00pm - Letran Squires vs FilNation LA
6:30pm - Off-Campus Residences x Toyomoto vs D'Generals x Dynamix

Ninoy Aquino Stadium
8:00am - AG Sports Apparel Laguna vs Top Flight Sports Canada
9:30am - Crossover Canada vs Bayanihan Elite UK
11:00am - Tumakbo USA vs Marlins Bulacan
12:30pm - MIC Australia Scope Med vs For The Win
2:00pm - Yes Mariveles vs USJR Jaguars
3:30pm - Phenom NZ Blue Fire vs UE Junior Warriors
5:00pm - Batangas Mustangs vs Arellano Braves
6:30pm - Batang Tiaong RJ MEA vs UST Tiger Cubs x D'Generals

Rizal Memorial Coliseum
8:00am - Proudly Pinoy Italy vs CCDC Admirals
9:30am - Western Sydney BA vs Batang Europa Scandinavia
11:00am - BBA Australia vs AUBA Perth
12:30pm - Don Bosco Greywolves vs Fil-Euro NextGen Belgium
2:00pm - Fil-Euro Nation UK vs GM Botor x Troops Hoops
3:30pm - Loverz Gadgets Zambo Sur vs Canada Central Hoops Nation
5:00pm - Gladiators Germany vs Liceo de Cagayan U Titans
6:30pm - Canterbury Ballers Club vs Maharlika Malta

Cabonilas, Dabao top NBTC 24, leads All-Stars cast

Eric Altamirano and Alex Compton with the NBTC's partners for this year

Cabs Cabonilas of Far Eastern University-Diliman stands tall as the new No. 1 player in the annual rankings of the Philippines' top under-19 players by the National Basketball Training Center.

The UAAP Season 88 boys' basketball MVP jumped two spots from his ranking of third in last year's NBTC 24, just behind Ateneo-commit Kieffer Alas and now-La Salle player Lebron Daep.

This time around, Cabonilas left no doubt in staking his claim for the top spot, averaging 15.79 points, 8.86 rebounds, and 3.79 assists, all while leading the Baby Tamaraws back to the finals.

Coming up right behind FEU-D's do-it-all forward is Maco Dabao of De La Salle Zobel, who turned in a breakout season all the way to finishing as MVP runner-up.

The Jr. Archers' lead guard normed 17.29 points, 5.93 rebounds, 2.21 assists, and 2.5 steals to propel his side to its first Final Four since 2017.

As No. 1 and 2, Cabonilas and Dabao will serve as captains for the All-Star Game in the 2026 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls on Saturday, March 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Cabonilas will be joined in Team Heart by another Baby Tam in Marc Burgos, as well as fellow UAAP standouts Jay-M Leal (Ateneo), Kirk Cañete (UST), and Bruce Tubongbanua (UPIS).

“Sobrang nakaka-excite po kasi anlaki ng tinaas ko sa rankings. Ngayon, kagaya na po ako ng mga nauna sa'kin tulad nina Jared Bahay at Kieffer Alas,” he said.

Rounding out his roster drafted in the preseason press conference held last Monday at Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Parqal are NCAA guards Mark Esperanza (San Sebastian), Justin Cargo (Letran), and Ray Ladica (Arellano); Regional Championship (RC) Most Outstanding Players Jhon Lord Cruz (North Luzon), Duke Solon (Mindanao), and Zedrick Castillo (South Luzon); and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo's Lian Basa.

Meeting them at the opposite side of the court will be Team Hustle fronted by Dabao alongside other UAAP stars in Mot Matias and Shaun Lucido (NU), Jarl Artango (Adamson), and Noah Banal (Ateneo).

Further fortifying his lineup from the NCAA are Season 101 juniors basketball MVP Sean Franco (Arellano), Nathan Egea (Letran), Andrei Ugaddan (San Beda), Josef Calo-oy (LSGH), and Kelly Coronel (EAC); as well as Henry Suico from SHS-Ateneo and J Lord Pepito from the Visayas RC.

“It just feels great to have this opportunity. It just feels great to put La Salle Zobel back in here,” said the playmaker from DLSZ, who inherits the same All-Star team as his Jr. Archers teammate in Alas.

Last year, a game-winning three from Ian Cuajao, now with San Beda, shot Team Heart over Team Hustle.

And like always, breakout players from international and local teams during the National Finals will also be added to the lineups of Team Heart and Team Hustle, which have been in place for the All-Star Game of the Philippine national under-19 championship since 2019.

Together with the annual exhibition of young talent at the highest level, there will yet again be an All-Star Game from the Manila Live girls tournament, as well as the Manila Showcase, pitting the top players from Manila Live against other standouts of the National Finals.

Here’s the final NBTC 24 for 2026:
1) Cabs Cabonilas, UAAP/FEU-Diliman
2) Maco Dabao, UAAP/DLSZ
3) Mark Esperanza, NCAA/San Sebastian
4) Sean Franco, NCAA/Arellano
5) Mot Matias, UAAP/NUNS
6) Nathan Egea, NCAA/Letran
7) Henry Suico, CESAFI/SHS-Ateneo
8) Kirk Cañete, UAAP/UST
9) Shaun Lucido, UAAP/NUNS
10) Noah Banal, UAAP/Ateneo
11) Ray Ladica, NCAA/Arellano
12) Andrei Ugaddan, NCAA/San Beda
13) Jay-M Leal, UAAP/Ateneo
14) Lian Basa, CESAFI/SHS-Ateneo
15) Marc Burgos, UAAP/FEU-Diliman
16) Justin Cargo, NCAA/Letran
17) Jarl Artango, UAAP/Adamson
18) Josef Calo-Oy, NCAA/LSGH
19) Jhon Lord Cruz, North Luzon RC/Nueva Ecija D’Generals
20) Bruce Tubongbanua, UAAP/UPIS
21) Kelly Coronel, NCAA/EAC
22) J Lord Pepito, Visayas RC/USPF-Playtown Exclusive
23) Duke Solon, Mindanao RC/RSY Group of Companies
24) Zedrick Castillo, South Luzon RC/AG Sports Apparel

NBTC North Luzon Regionals champions crowned in Baguio

c/o NBTC

Nueva Ecija has ascended to the pinnacle as D'Generals won the 2026 Smart-NBTC North Luzon Regional Championship.

Rebounding demon Jhonlord Cruz put his team on his shoulders as the Novo Ecijanos pulled off a thrilling 91-89 finale against Marlins of Bulacan at University of Baguio Cardinals Gym on Tuesday.

Cruz uncorked 19 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in the clincher, including the game-sealing block on Jerald Raymundo as time expired to hold off a furious fourth quarter rally from the Bulakenyos.

More importantly, it capped off Cruz' memorable performance, one that saw him set a new NBTC record for most rebounds per game after hauling down 27 boards in the semifinals against Yes Mariveles, en route to being named as the adidas Most Outstanding Player.

Fellow Mythical Team member Jairus Armendez also did damage with 19 points built on three triples, on top of four boards, four assists, and two steals, while Nueva Ecija also drew big games from Alfie Jay Pacaldo, who nabbed a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, and Peter Hendrick Junior, who had 19 points and four boards.

The Marlins, however, refused to go down without a fight, crawling back from a 14-point deficit, 72-58, early in the fourth and leaned on Christian James Manlapaz (19 points and eight rebounds) and Justine Dave Batibot (21 points).

Manlapaz was also part of the Mythical Five together with Mark Khelvin Macalinao of Yes Mariveles (Bataan) and Mark Daniel Dela Cruz of CCDC Admirals (Benguet).

Nonetheless, the two finalists are already bound for the National Finals from March 22 to 29 where they will play with the best teams in the Philippine national 19-under tournament which is supported by adidas, Foot Locker, Molten, Buffalo's Wings N Things, The Lighthouse Group, Pocari Sweat, Omni, Swish, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Yes Mariveles and CCDC Admirals have also punched their tickets to the Nationals through the regional wildcard, making the most of their second chances to complete the North Luzon cast.

The Bataan champs routed PPG Tarlac, 102-78, behind Macalinao's 13 points as six other players scored in double figures.

CCDC also eked out a 74-72 decision over Quezon Nueva Ecija, with Dela Cruz firing 16 points and seven rebounds and Joel Christ Ancheta scoring 14.

Attention now shifts to the Visayas Regional Championship on Feb. 11 to 14 with Tacloban City Convention Center serving as the main host.

Grassroots volleyball gets boost with establishment of National Grassroots Volleyball League

From L-R: NGVL Board Member Coach Eric Altamirano, NGVL President Yvette Katigbak-Ambrocio, OMNI Electrical & Lighting Marketing Manager Henry Bigay, and TLG President and NGVL Operations Head Froi Ambrocio.

With an eye for finding and developing the next generation of Filipina volleyball talent, The Lighthouse Group and OMNI Electrical & Lighting are establishing a national competition called the National Grassroots Volleyball League.

Thanks to the unprecedented popularity volleyball in the Philippines has gotten, TLG, a full-service marketing agency, crafted the NGVL as a nationwide developmental volleyball conference for girls, specifically in the U-16 division, with the goal of filling the gap in accessible, community-level training and competition. This program uses local, regional, and national competitions to discover, identify, and develop potential prospects.

To help achieve this, officials and referees from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation will collaborate with the league to ensure a competitive structure and legitimacy.

According to league president Yvette Katigbak-Ambrocio, "We, at NGVL, are committed to growing volleyball in the Philippines, starting at the most basic, at the same time, what we believe is the most meaningful of sectors, which is at the community level. We’re setting the play and rallying the entire nation towards our dream of growing Philippine volleyball, one grassroots player at a time."

OMNI, a Filipino brand offering affordable, high-quality alternatives to foreign lighting products, in coming in as a major sponsor, sees this competition as an extension of its advocacy of improving Filipino communities into the sports arena.

OMNI Marketing Manager Henry Bigay shares, "From lighting to electrical devices for homes and industries, OMNI’s commitment of uplifting lives aligns with NGVL’s goal of empowering our young athletes. We are very excited and truly proud to support a grassroots program that helps the youth to discover their potential. We hope this league inspires them to pursue their passion and reach their dreams."

The inaugural edition of the NGVL is slated to take place between February and April next year, with potential expansion for future editions into additional age groups for both boys and girls.

LALIGA Youth Tournament honored in World Football Summit

LALIGA x World Football Summit

LALIGA has been honoured with a prestigious award earlier this month, as the Spanish top-flight was bestown the "Honor for Transformative Partnerships shaping the Future of Sport" award at the World Football Summit in Hong Kong last September 3-4.

The event celebrates the talent, passion, and dedication put in by sports business professionals towards football industry, with the award celebrating "partnerships that drive innovation, growth and overall collaboration in football, highlighting those that redefine what is possible for the sport across borders, sectors and cultures."

Received by LALIGA's Singapore-based director Ivan Codina, the honor recognizes the league's work at the grassroots level in Southeast Asia, highlighted by the LALIGA Youth Tournament.

Launched five years ago in Malaysia, and now has counterparts in four more ASEAN locations (Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines), the tournament offers a competitive platform for its participants to not only develop their skills but also to enjoy first-class training experiences.

In fact, this month saw the conclusion of the 2025 edition in Indonesia, with its Philippine counterpart set to have this year's edition scheduled in mid-November at New Clark City.

It is part of a larger commitment LALIGA has in developing sustainable grassroots football in the region, with other initiatives currently in place through two LALIGA Academies in Vietnam and Malaysia, with the latter in operation since 2023 in collaboration with Epsom College through a 50-acre campus on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the league also has a LALIGA Youth League in place there.

All of this comes with the end goal of being able to create opportunities for young players to make it big in the sport. 

In receiving the award, Codina shares, "This recognition is a source of pride for LALIGA. The Youth Tournament began as a venture in Malaysia and today is a project that connects thousands of young people across the region. Seeing how it grows and how it impacts such diverse communities reaffirms our commitment to grassroots football and the sustainable development of the sport in Asia. We thank the World Football Summit for this honour, which motivates us to continue working with the same passion."

With this honor, LALIGA reinforces its international leadership in the development of grassroots football and its commitment to the growth of the sport overall.

PalawanPay remains committed to Grassroots and Sports Development, forms partnership with Philippine Youth Basketball Championship

PalawanPay x PYBC

The Palawan Group of Companies, through its e-wallet arm PalawanPay, remains committed towards grassroots sports development, as it lends its support towards the Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) as a Platinum Sponsor.

The PYBC is one of the newest youth-oriented basketball leagues in the country, with their emphasis towards combining traditional coaching elements with data-driven analytics. 

Such a partnership underscores PGoC's commitment in empowering the next generation of Filipino athletes by providing opportunities to develop their skills, showcase their talent, and live out the values of sportsmanship.

As such, in supporting the PYBC, PalawanPay hopes to strengthen grassroots basketball programs and ensure that young players have access to opportunities that nurture growth. It builds on the Palawan Group’s long-standing advocacy for sports development and investing in the youth, as they believe investing in sports not only develops champions on the court, but also empowers Filipino youth to become champions in life.

According to Palawan Group's Chief Financial Officer Lilian Castro-Selda, "At Palawan Group, we have always believed in grassroots development. Whether in financial services, education, or sports, our mission is to empower Filipinos to build a brighter future. That is why partnering with PYBC is both a commitment and a privilege. It is our greatest honor to take part in giving Filipino youth the chance to dream, to learn, and to grow — both on and off the court. To our young athletes: basketball is more than just a game. Every time you put on your jersey, you carry values that will serve you for life — discipline, teamwork, resilience, grit, and respect. These are the same values we live by at the Palawan Group, and we are proud to support you as you strengthen them through sports."

To highlight such commitment, PGoC representatives were present at a fellowship lunch hosted by the league that included young basketball players from across the country, along with their respective families and coaches.

At said lunch, PYBC Commissioner and Palawan Group ambassador Benjie Paras shared this message: "You’re all very lucky that this is your opportunity to be scouted by coaches and to be backed by our generous sponsors. My advice is this: in any league that you play in, you need to be committed. And when I say committed, that means putting in hard work, dedication, sacrifice, and of course, love for the game."

Also gracing the event are fellow basketball greats in Ronnie Magsanoc, Rico Maierhofer, and Jayjay Helterbrand, sharing ancedotes and providing inspirational messages.

In addition, league officials, led by Tournament Director Carl Villanueva and Deputy Commissioner Paulo Layug recognized key partners with certificates of appreciation, emphasizing their value in ensuring the PYBC's success.

The league already has its first conference ongoing until October, with action in three division: under-11, under-13, and under-15 divisions.

Singapore set to host 2025 edition of Basketball Without Borders Asia Camp

BWB Asia 2024 (c/o BWB)

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) jointly announced that sixty individuals have been invited to participate in the fifteenth edition of the Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia Camp, which will take place at the Singapore Basketball Centre inside the city-state on June 19-22.

In announcing the location of BWB Asia 2025, NBA Senior Vice President and Head of International Basketball Operation Troy Justice says, "Bringing Basketball Without Borders back to Singapore reflects our commitment to growing the game in the country and across Asia-Pacific. This year’s camp is particularly special, as it will coincide with our new basketball and entertainment festival and the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, our first regional high-school basketball tournament.  We look forward to a memorable week of events that will leave a lasting impact on fans and players from across the region."

On FIBA's end, Head of Players Unit Kimberley Gaucher adds, "We are delighted that Basketball Without Borders Asia is being held this year in Singapore – a nation that has consistently demonstrated its ability to host world-class events like the FIBA Intercontinental Cup and the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup. BWB Asia offers an incredible platform to inspire and develop the next generation of basketball talent across the region, and we are confident that participants will gain invaluable experiences throughout the camp, learning meaningful lessons both on-and-off the court."

This will be the first time since 2010 that the BWB, which is the global basketball development and community will return to Singapore, which will serve as part of the NBA's multi-day immersive basketball and entertainment festival there. The activity will be capped off by the inauguration of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational, the league's first regional high school basketball tournament bringing together teams from eleven countries for both boys and girls. Action there will take place from June 25-29 at the Kallang Tennis Hub.

BWB Asia 2025 brings together thirty boys and thirty girls that are all 17 and under from across the region to learn and compete against each other, while also receiving coaching from current and former NBA and WNBA players and coaches.

The kids will be going through activities like movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, as well as 5-on-5 games.

For this batch, helping mentor these campers are 2024 NBA champion Derrick White (Boston Celtics) and 2024 NBA All-Star Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers). Other notables set to share their knowledge are Duop Reath (Portland Trailblaers), 2025 FIBA Hall of Fame inductee Ticha Penicheiro, and NBA assistant coaches Vinay Bhavnani (Toronto Raptors), Jared Dudley (Dallas Mavericks), Ronald Nored (Atlanta Hawks) and Khalid Robinson (Golden State Warriors).

Maxey says about his upcoming obligations, "I’m excited to visit Singapore and be part of Basketball Without Borders for the first time. I look forward to working with the top young players in the region and sharing my knowledge and experiences with them."

Serving as camp director is World Association of Basketball Coaches president Patrick Hunt, while Katherine Babcock (Memphis Grizzlies) is its athletic trainer. 

Participants will also go through life-skills and leadership development sessions, as well as social responsibility programming during the camp.

To cap off the camp, a ceremony will take place to award the Kim Bohuny Camp MVP, the Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, the Three-Point Champion and the Defensive MVP to the male and female players who distinguish themselves on the court and as leaders.

In addition, the NBA will hold a youth clinic for boys and girls on June 20 in conjunction with SportCares, the philanthropic arm of Sport Singapore with the objective of empowering individuals from vulnerable backgrounds through sport, as well as a coaches clinic the next day with FIBA.

Supplying the campers with apparel and footwear is Nike, which has been BWB's global partner since 2002.

BWB has already made inroads towards the NBA and WNBA, with 132 alums having made either league out of over 4600 participants from 144 countries and territories since its establishment in 2001, with 79 such camps staged in 53 cities across 33 countries. Notable alumni from the Asia-Pacific include Australians Josh Giddey (Chicago Bulls, BWB Asia 2018 and BWB Global 2020) and Josh Green (Charlotte Hornets, BWB Global 2018) and Japanese forward Rui Hachimura (Los Angeles Lakers, BWB Global 2016).

For BWB Asia 2025, three Filipinos have been invited.

NU-Nazareth School student-athletes Zaydhen Rosano and Rob Celiz, as well as Bacolod Tay Tung standout Paul Barcelona have been picked to join the sixty-player camp. Rosano and Celiz were vital in the Bullpups earning their spots in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational for both boys and girls, while Barcelona is fresh from reinforcing Western Visayas’ silver medal finish at the recently-concluded Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City.

The following is a complete list of players participating in the 15^th BWB Asia camp

(rosters subject to change) (Filipinos in italics):

 

GIRLS ROSTER		BOYS ROSTER
Kaila Proctor		Harry Cook
Aysha Kemp		Isaac Riddle
Taryn Bond		Issac Weldon
Cheyenne Bobongie		Koby Moir
Siyao He		Guer Bar
Qirui Xie		Junxian Li
Yingying Rao		Zhenhe Liu
Yu Chen Peng		Huicong Chen
Yu Shan Hsu		You-Cheng Jhou
Madeleine Ada		Piyush Choudhary
Yuzu Hamaguchi		Roi Honda
Hoor Alkarain		Kenichiro Benedict
Heewon Cho		Oga Sato
Juha Kang		Laith Sahlieh
Sohee Lee		Cooper Lepou
Caysey Hermawan		Hoani Ifopo-Togia
Yi Tin Ellie Chen		Aubrey Chunga
Pei Wen Jolin Ting		Cole Hopoi
Fathimath Shubaa Shujau		Cooper Te Ratana
Taia Lana Ama McMechan		Rob Celiz
Olivia Rose Hastings		Paul Barcelona
Gia Ana Vukona		Abdulla Mousa
Zaydhen Rosano		Zacharias Neli Sasulu
Tereise Sufia Reupena		Chase Kai
Mylaani Shay Siolosega Sione		Haram Yoo
Tricia Lau		Geonwoo Kwak
Marsya Sazali		Jiwon Yoon
Kanokpone Travulvera		Thanawat Pisarnyuttanapong
Fa'anaetaua Puloka		Ali Toychiev
Taarushee Tarun		Ramazan Sarkiev