By Jerome Lagunzad
Twenty five promising ballers from the Manila Regional Selection Camp of Jr. NBA Philippines 2018 presented by Alaska have been selected over the weekend to join their fellow hopefuls from Bacolod, Baguio and Butuan in the National Training Camp from May 18 to 20.
From more than 800 players who joined the NBA’s global youth basketball program at Don Bosco Technical Institute in Makati last Saturday, only 50 boys and 32 girls got the nod to return the following day for advanced drills and team scrimmages.
However, only 25 of them, including 16 girls, made the final cut since they exemplified the Jr. NBA core S.T.A.R. values of “Sportsmanship, Teamwork, a positive Attitude and Respect.”
Representing the boys’ division were Jeremy Gabriel Felix, 14, of Ateneo de Manila University; Joshua Minguillo, 13, of Anorama Montessori Binan; Lionel Matthew Rubico, 13, of De La Salle Lipa; Raphael Tolentino, 13, of International School of Better Beginnings; Kim Aaron Tamayo, 13, of National University; Rhon Khaniel Telles, 13, of St. Anthony de Carmelli; Robert Janus Torres, 14, of Victorious Christian Montessori; Dranreb Aeron Singson, 14, and Rodelio Tomas, 14, of Escuela de Sophia Caloocan are representing the boys division.
Coming from the girls’ division were Yza Camila Shalea Alarcon, 14, New Era High School; Franzelle Angela Chelzea Besa, 14, of Divine World College of Calapan; Franchesca Isabela Buenvenida, 11, of Mother of Divine Providence School; Merylle Angelica Cuasay, 12, of Adriatico Memorial School; Jay Anne Marie Lachica, 12, of Sta. Clara Parish School; Erika Nadine Tenorio, 12, of School of the Holy Spirirt Quezon City; Justine Valdes, 13, of Saint Pedro Poveda College.
Ghemrie Hashley Garcia, 13, and Valerie Ruth Mapalad, 13, of Child Jesus of Nazareth School, Arianne Amber Esquivel, 14, and Kyla Marie Mataga, 13, of De La Salle Zobel; Juliana Yap, 13, and Marielle Vingno, 14, of Escuela de Sophia Caloocan and Maria Juliana Abella, 13, Isabela Louise Gonzales, 12, and Aaliyah Mai Reyes, 12, of Saint Paul College Pasig.
The finalists from the National Capital Region, chosen by the Jr. NBA evaluation committee led by Jr. NBA head coach Carlos Barroca and PBA Legend Jeffrey Cariaso of Alaska, earned the chance to claim the 16 Jr. NBA 2018 All-Star slots up for grabs and will be rewarded with an overseas NBA experience trip with fellow Jr. NBA All-Stars from Southeast Asia later this year.
“These kids showed true quality, intensity, and a real passion for basketball,” said Jr. NBA head coach Carlos Barroca. “I hope all our participants continue to show their love for the game, keep working hard and follow their dreams.”