SBP, coach pursue extensive training for 13-under national pool

The Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas will hold a year-round training program, starting with mini-tournaments and culminating with the Philippine participation in a US tournament next year for top players to be chosen from the country’s top 13-under players.

National 13-under coach Mark Herrera said the initial tryouts start on Nov. 9, 1 –6 p.m. at Xavier School in Greenhills, Quezon City.

The 14 candidates chosen from the pool will form the RP youth team that will compete in the America State Championship in Florida, USA on July 29, 2009.

Herrera, a former Red Warrior who is assistant coach of the PBL Burger King Whoppers and head coach of two-time Jr. PBA champion Jr. Talk ‘N Text, said 48 will be chosen from the first tryout.

The players will be divided into four teams which will play a series of games, from which the pool will be reduced to 24.

Herrera is assisted by coach PJ Navarro and Homer Bautista of the Ateneo, Jerome Oliva of Xavier School and Benjie Diswe of St. Clare.

Among Herrera’s top advisers are former PBA superstars Jerry Codiñera, Vergel Meneses and Andy de Guzman and coaches Ernie Laurel and Nemie Villegas.

The tryouts are part of the talent identity program initiated by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, vice chairman Ricky Vargas, SBP youth commission chairman Nic Jorge and SBP executive director Noli Eala and in line with the SBP’s strategy of developing young talents for international competitions beyond 2012.

Registration: Herrera at 0910.461.1007; (02)557.2157 or (02)710-3639.