MANILA, Philippines - The Phl youth 13-under basketball team, beefed up by a new bunch of players aged 11years and under, begins its development program under national coach Mark Herrera with its participation in the KABAKA basketball tournament set to start Jan. 31 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.
The tournament, organized by Ronnie Canlas and Rep. Amado Bagatsing, opens with simple ceremonies to be graced by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas executive director Sonny Barrios as guest speaker.
The Phl youth 13-under, which recently ruled the Valle Verde League tournament, is supported by SBP chairman Manny Pangilinan and vice chairman Ricky Vargas.
The team members are Joshua Santos (St Augustine International School), Jaime Cabarruz (Southridge), Benz Nakpil (UP), Earl Lagaras (AMA), Diego Rodrigo (La Salle Greenhills), Fort Cazo (Ateneo), Gian Mamuyac (Lourdes Mandaluyong), Benjo Maximo (CSA), Janver de Llamas (La Salle Greenhills), Clint Escamis (San Beda Alabang), Karl Bautista (AMA)), Kean Herrera (Ateneo), Coleng Garcia and CJ Balingit Notre Dame), Richmond King, (CHSK), Julian Jugo (Lasalle Greenhills) and Stacey Tibayan (Letran), Pawan Singh (Pampanga) and Carlos Gatmaytan (La Salle Zobel).