The framework has already been laid out for the establishment of the National Basketball Training Center in Cebu - a grassroots development program of the BAP-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
In a press conference yesterday at the Magnolia room of Cebu Grand Convention Center, NBTC Cebu project director Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez said the vision of the year-round project is embodied under a three-prong objective.
Aside from identifying outstanding young female and male basketball players throughout the different regions from 14 to 19 years of age, it also aims to develop and improve their skills on individual level and team concepts.
More importantly, it will serve as a training ground to prepare the young players for the National Youth team that will compete in the 2010 Junior Olympics.
“The plan of this project is to provide opportunities for young basketball players with national team aspirations to train in regional areas close to their homes by the country’s top coaches,” said Fernadez, himself a legend in Philippine hoopdom.
“We also want to stablish a U-19 residency program where the focus is on providing a good everyday training environment for aspiring players who live outside the NBTC area or territory,” added Fernandez.
Fernandez encouraged all interested coaches to recommend players for the regional try-outs set on December 15 (for girls) and December 16 (for boys) at the Sacred Heart School-Jesuit along General Maxilom Avenue, this city.
The selection committee will choose 160 players (80 under the 14-16 years old bracket and 18 under the 17-19 class) for both boys and girls. The top 40 athletes who will be selected in the tryout will automatically qualify for the NBTC.
The selection committee will then pick 20 boys each in the 14-16 and 17-19 age brackets from the regional camp to join the NBTC.
Players in the NBTC will be invited in the six-day Nike Elite Basketball Camp on March 14-19 at the Brent International School in Mamplasan, Laguna. They will also get the opportunity to be chosen for the National Youth Team that will see action in the 2008 FIBA tournament.– EBV