FBA launched to boost grassroots cage program

MANILA, Philippines - Six teams, led by the Laguna Busa Warriors, headline the Filsports Basketball Association, a new cage league put up to help the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ grassroots development program and at the same time discover fresh talents nationwide.

“The FBA is placing greater focus on grassroots talents and growth of the sport on the regional level, highlighting local support of followers and encouraging wider participation through upliftment of local basketball players, referees, coaches and officials,” said FBA commissioner Vince Hizon during the league’s launch at Rocca Ristorante in QC Tuesday night also graced by FBA chair LJ Serrano.

Since the league allows a maximum of two former pros with only one playing at a time, Laguna will field in ex-PBA star Nic Belasco, who will also coach the team along with another former PBA star Ali Peek.

“I hope Ali and I could share our experience with the younger guys and instill with them qualities that helped us in our 16 to 17 years in the PBA like discipline, hard work, perseverance and the likes,” said Belasco.

The other five teams in the fold are the Foton Pampanga Tornadoes, the Numero Uno Antipolo Pilgrims, the Malolos Mighty Bulacan, Racal Group of Companies and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Foton will be coached by former San Beda bench tactician Jonathan Reyes with UP’s Mikee Reyes, Arellano University’s Levi Hernandez, San Sebastian’s Jay Sierra and former Adamson standout Marc Agustin, son of Brgy. Ginebra coach Ato, backstopping the squad.

Francis Heslet will be the man at the helm at Antipolo, UP will be handled by Joe Ward while the Malolos Mighty Bulacan will be composed of mostly players from Bulacan State University.

Hizon said they’re trying to pattern the FBA to the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, which have teams not only in Luzon but also in Visayas and Mindanao, and the Philippine Basketball League, an amateur league.

“It’s a combination of both plus more,” said Hizon.

The tournament will use a double-round robin format elimination round with playoff matches to follow and will use FIBA or international basketball federation rules, referees as part of the league’s partnership with the SBP.

“We’ll use everything FIBA, the rules, referees, the balls and the size of the court, as part of our agreement with the SBP,” said Hizon.

Games will be shown on the People’s Television (PTV 4).