Buoyed by the continued success of its inaugural Founder's Cup tournament, the Community Basketball Association (CBA) is now setting its sights on young and talented players.
In fact, the CBA is launching its 18 years old and under men’s developmental basketball tournament starting May 20.
At stake are trophies and cash prizes, with the champion bringing home P200,000.
“As part of the CBA’s grassroots development program envisioned by actor-director Carlo Maceda, we’re now introducing this tournament for players born 2001 and above,” said CBA tournament director Robert de la Rosa during the 20th "Usapang Sports" by the Tabloids Organization n Philippine Sports (TOPS) at the National Press Club in Intramuros yesterday.
De la Rosa, son of former PBA legend Bert de la Rosa, said at least 16 teams divided into the North and South categories are expected to participate in the 18-under tournament.
Although he did not announce the list of participating teams pending the final team coaches and meeting sometime next week, De la Rosa said he expects most, if not all, of the 16 teams now seeing action in the CBA Founders’ Cup to join the 18-under competition.
“Sa katotohanan, baka mas madami pa ang kasali,” said De la Rosa during the weekly forum supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), National Press Club (NPC), Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), CBA and HG Guyabano Tea Leaf Drink.
De la Rosa said the 16 teams currently playing in the Founders Cup are San Juan, Bulacan, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon, San Mateo, Novo Ecijano and Quezon City in the North; and General Trias, Manila, Parañaque, Binangonan 3-3, Marikina, Pasigueño 2-4, Rizaba and Rizal in the South.
“We’re wrapping up the eliminations for the CBA Founders Cup. We’ll be in the semis soon. The CBA18-under tournament will be next in our busy calendar,” added de la Rosa, who is also a member of the coaching staff of the Columbian Dyip in the PBA.
De la Rosa claimed there are still many young and talented players in the barangays who have not been given the chance to showcase their skills.
“The CBA will be the best chance for these players. Ito ang kanilang pagkakataon na ipakita ang kanilang galing sa basketball at mabigyan ng mas magandang pagkakataon sa buhay,” claimed De la Rosa, who was personally tapped by Maceda to handle the developmental project.