SBP holds fund-raiser for victims

MANILA, Philippines - The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, in an admirable show of unity, cooperation and love of country, yesterday set blockbuster exhibition games featuring the best of professional and collegiate basketball for the benefit of typhoon “Ondoy” victims.

Dubbed “Pinoy Basketbol Kakampi Nyo,” the worthy event is slated Monday at the Araneta Coliseum pitting the UAAP-NCAA selection versus PBL-Liga selection and Smart Gilas versus Powerade Pilipinas.

Officials of SBP, PBA, PBL, Liga Pilipinas, the UAAP and the NCAA met yesterday and agreed on the staging of the charity event in cooperation with the Big Dome management.

“Araneta has agreed to the event’s free use of the venue. We will donate to the typhoon victims all proceeds from tickets,” said Smart Sports head Patrick Gregorio in a text message to The STAR.

“We are also asking all leagues to donate old rubber shoes or rubber slippers. We all decided to give donation to the ABS-CBN Foundation,” Gregorio added.

Coach Yeng Guiao is reuniting with his Tianjin Fiba Asia RP team going up against coach Rajko Toroman and his Smart Gilas developmental team.

The cream of the UAAP and the NCAA, meanwhile, join forces in this endeavor before returning to their respective teams for the closing stage of the collegiate season. – Nelson Beltran