Young cagers bound for Japan training after securing coveted spots from hoops program

MANILA, Philippines — Eight young Filipino basketball players will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train in Japan as Pocari Sweat successfully concluded the “Live Your Dream with Pocari Sweat: Basketball Dream Project” Season 3 held recently at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Cebu City.

A total of 32 hopefuls competed for the coveted eight spots of this program launched in 2024 by the company spearheaded by Ken Saito, president and managing director of Otsuka-Solar Philippines Inc. (OSPI).

The eight players are Charles Nino Garcia, 15, and Jose Victorio Suico, 14, from Cebu; Chazz Anthone Lesiguez, 15, and John Miel Lachica, 15, from Iloilo; Zulcarnain Datumanong, 13 and Jerruz Clinx Domingo, 14, from Cotabato; and Dexter Jacob Dandoy, 15, and Jhun Lee Ibuos, 14, from Davao.

The initiative aims to empower young Filipino athletes through structured training, expert coaching, and opportunities to develop their basketball skills and pursue their dreams of playing competitive basketball from high school to college, and eventually as professional players.

Season 3 expanded its reach across Visayas and Mindanao, conducting nine regional tryouts in Cebu, Iloilo, Cotabato, and Davao, with a total of 652 aspiring players. The said program was facilitated by Youth Development Coaches, including Rommel Rasmo (Cebu), Raffy Ynion (Iloilo), Phil Tuvieron (Cotabato), and Jess Evangelio (Davao), under the guidance of Dream Project Facilitator Coach Noli Ayo.

“Pocari Sweat has always believed in supporting the youth by investing in programs that help them grow, achieve, and dream without limits,” said Saito.

“This initiative is our commitment to creating pathways for young athletes to succeed.”

The final tryout was graced by key leaders in Philippine sports, including PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, who encouraged the young athletes to pursue excellence, SBP Zone Director for Zone 8 Popoy Navarro and Cebu City Sports Commission Executive Director Dr. Rhoel Dejano.

The eight finalists will travel to Japan in April 2027 for a week-long intensive training program alongside professional B. League players and coaches. The experience will expose them to advanced training methods, professional coaching, and the discipline required to compete at a higher level.

Through the Live Your Dream Basketball Dream Project, Pocari Sweat continues to strengthen its commitment to grassroots sports development and create meaningful opportunities for young Filipino athletes.

As Season 3 concludes, these eight dreamers take their next step toward a bigger future in basketball, carrying with them the hopes of their communities and the inspiration to dream beyond borders. (Contributed story)