Seaoil fires up grassroots program

MANILA, Philippines - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios lauded the Seaoil Elite League both as a sucessful basketball tournament and a grassroots development program that helps the search for young talents for international competitions.

Seaoil Elite League executive director Eric Altamirano said Barrios himself singled out the league’s holistic approach in identifying, preparing and developing young players for youth national teams.

“We thank Mr. Barrios and the SBP for continuously recognizing the Seaoil Elite League’s aim to develop skills, build character and raise leaders. We believe that these are important not only in making the best players but also the best citizens of the country,” said Altamirano, who added that he hopes the SBP will continue to recognize the Seaoil Elite League as an integral basketball program.

When it was first established, the league’s objective was to create learning environment opportunities for players to demonstrate and enhance both their individual and team skills, to focus on skill development rather than just winning, to serve as a pathway for the players and coaches to move to a higher level.

“As we always say, the competition and the winning is only secondary to the aim to produce the best players for both local and international competitions,”Altamirano said as he invited basketball fans to the 16-team national finals on May 22-25 at the West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City.

Sixteen teams will battle for the title in the event sponsored by Seaoil Phils, Burlington, Freego Jeans and Molten under SBP.

Competing teams are San Mig Coffee Cavite, B-Meg Lucena, Magnolia Fresh Chicken Bulacan, Magnolia Ice Cream La Union, Star Margarine Olongapo, Star Margarine Dumaguete, Purefoods TJ Cebu and Bacolod, San Mig Coffee Bacolod, Magnolia Ice Cream Iloilo, B-MEG Ormoc, Star Margarine Zamboanga, Magnolia Ice Cream Gen San, Purefoods TJ Davao, Monterey Meatshop CDO and San Mig Coffee Iligan.

The top two teams after the one round elimination advance to the winner-take-all finals.

The teams were products of a training module that focused on fundamentals while coaches benefited from regular coaching seminars.