Basketball for all

The first Commission on Higher Education (CHED) All-Star Basketball Friendship Games ended on a high note at the Amoranto Arena Friday afternoon, with the consensus that it would be much bigger next year. A project of CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera III, the tournament included champion teams from four different allegiant leagues, and an exhibition game between the UAAP selection and the NCAA selection. Both leagues gamely lent their players for a competitive but cordial match on opening day Wednesday.

“This tournament is designed to foster unity and camaraderie among the different collegiate leagues in friendly competition,” explains De Vera, who is himself an athlete. “Sports is also a major part of education, and we want to promote that.”

Champion teams from NAASCU, PRISAA, SCUAA and ALCUAA went through a challenging single round-robin elimination, and each ended up playing four games in three days. Newly-crowned NAASCU champion St. Clare College of Caloocan overwhelmed the field, winning by more than 20 points per game. Coached by Jino Manansala (son of PBA legend Jimmy Manansala), the team’s system and individual talent were too much for the opposition. But everyone was given recognition for being part of the maiden league.

The players had to make some adjustments themselves. For many, it was their first time playing in an air-conditioned venue. For most, it was their first time playing in televised games and being interviewed. But the players expressed their enjoyment at meeting players from different parts of Luzon, from Metro Manila to Ilocos and Albay. For the coaches, it was a significant starting spot. It was a formal way of measuring themselves and their progress against varsity teams that they do not normally play against. They will be better prepared next year.

We are already imagining a nationwide iteration of the CHED All-Star Basketball Friendship Games in 2025. Word of mouth is a potent weapon for growth, as is social media. Other leagues are already inquiring about the plans for 2025. Then it all becomes a matter of logistics.

Besides, the whole point of school sports is to give students a means to get an education. Wherever else they end up, they bring the values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship with them. Nobody loses.