Coke-PBA Youngstars draws 12-team roster

MANILA, Philippines – A talent-search and value-formation basketball spectacle dubbed as the Coca-Coca-PBA Youngstars comes off the stage in various venues this May, with 12 teams participating.

Merging the world’s top softdrink and the country’s No. 1 sports entertainment, the tournament calls for six teams from each group to play a single round elimination.

The top two teams from each group meet in the crossover semifinals, with the winners disputing the maiden championship.

Bracketed in Group A are Cainta, Las Piñas, Manila, San Juan, Taguig and Taytay. In Group B are Caloocan, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Pasig and Rizal Province.

Launched recently at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, the Coke-PBA Youngstars drew praise from PBA commissioner Chito Salud and Powerade governor Ronnie Asuncion.

“We aim to develop talent and instill values important to our society, putting emphasis on healthy and active lifestyle, self-discipline, sportsmanship, and a competitive spirit based on honesty, humility and integrity,” said Salud.

“It is part of the PBA’s vision to be in the forefront of family-oriented activities that strengthens the backbone of our society,” Salud added.

Asuncion expressed gratitude for the “opportunity to reach out to the Filipino youth in collaboration with the country’s premier basketball league.”

The Powerade PBA board representative stressed that Coca-Cola is “fully committed to those ideals” as mentioned by Salud.