RP Under-13 games part of PBA schedule

Members of the training pool for the 13-under national team will have the chance to show their skills in a tournament to be held on four consecutive Sundays before the PBA regular games.

In a meeting with national 13-under coach Mark Herrera and officials of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios approved the staging of the tournament which will serve as the final selection process for the formation of the national team that will compete in Florida, USA in June-July.

“We greatly appreciate the PBA’s pledge to support our grassroots program,” said Herrera. “This is important for the kids as it will give them a venue to show their skills and for the coaching staff to choose the 12-man team.”

Herrera, assistant coach of the Burger Kings in the PBL, was coach of two-time Jr. PBA champion Talk N Text.

“I’m happy and thankful to be partnering with PBA again. They had given me the chance to coach a great team, the Jr. Talk N Text team, the past two years, and now, they’ve invited us to play before the regular PBA games so the kids can experience how it is to play in the big league.”

“I also would like to thank the support of SBP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, vice-chairman Ricky Vargas and executive director Noli Eala. They want the best for the kids, so they’re giving them the best,” Herrera added.