Nokia RP U-18 Open tryouts draw interest

MANILA, Philippines - Nokia RP head coach Eric Altamirano yesterday said the Nokia RP U-18 team is now drawing interest with the open tryouts set on Jan. 4, at 5 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Altamirano said aspirants born before1992 are welcome as long they make the grade for the team that will compete in the Fiba Asia U-18 Championships for Men in September next year.

He said the renewed interest is primarily due to the commitment of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) headed by Manny Pangilinan and executive director Noli Eala in the youth basketball program with support coming from Nokia Philippines and TAO Corporation.

“We were receiving a lot of queries about the upcoming tryouts. And much of the credit goes to the SBP for its commitment to make the youth program stronger and make it the backbone of the Philippine basketball program,” he said.

“The under-16 and under-18 teams in particular benefited from the support of Nokia Philippines and TAO Corporation,” he added.

Altamirano said he needs all the help he can get in forming the team as he also called on Filipinos to encourage young players, particularly in their neighborhoods, to attend the tryouts.

“These players may not know it, but they are the ones needed in the team. I am emphasizing that they are now playing for a cause that is bigger than themselves,” said Altamirano.

The Nokia RP U-16 team placed fourth in the inaugural Fiba Asia U-16 Tournament held recently in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It was the highest finish by any Philippine youth team in recent years.

Also expected to try out for slots are members of the Nokia RP U-16 team like Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal, Roldan Sara, Gelo Alolino, Jeron Teng, Jeoffrey Javillonar, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Pate, Mike Tolomia, Nestor Bantayan, Paolo Romero and Cedric Labing-Isa.