SLA Junior World cagefest penciled for next year in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — Up next is the Queen City of the South.

On the heels of its massive success, Sinag Liga Asya will bring the Junior World Showcase next year in Cebu City with hopes of continuing to develop grassroots basketball with untapped talents here and abroad.

SLA unleashed fireworks for its historic third edition dubbed as the Mindanao Cup with the biggest delegation ever featuring 36 teams in five divisions in Cagayan de Oro and it’s just the beginning of something bigger for the upstart league.          

“We are excited for the SLA Junior World 2026 edition, which will be hosted by Cebu City and Cebu province,” said SLA chairman Rocky Chan after crowning five different champions from the local squads and overseas bets.

United Legacy Ascend from the United States ruled the centerpiece U21 division with an 88-77 win over Max Ballers Davao in the finale of the tourney broadcasted live on PTV Sports as its official TV partner.

Tagum City’s J Project Clothing Boomers won the U19 Division after a 73-51 win over Toyland Bistro, Tumakbo Basketball USA drubbed Cagayan de Oro Higalas 69-59, for the U17 crown, Juggernaut Bererem took the U15 title with a 65-53 win over CDO Higalas while homebet Webley Future Ballers trounced CDO Higalas anew , 90-60, in the U13 championship.

The breakthrough event, however, was more than just a celebration and promotion of grassroots basketball as SLA put premium on championing culture and sports tourism at its fullest with representation from overseas including the United States, Canada and United Arab Emirates.

“It was an overwhelming success and it was an amazing tournament we had in CdO not only because of the games that showed Mindanao teams can compete globally if given the opportunity,” added Chan, a CDO pride himself.

“But also it’s the hospitality of the people of CdO which got the admiration of all the teams and the friendship built by the different teams especially the international teams.”

SLA held its first Junior Showcase in Pampanga (Delta Cup) last year and now in CDO for the Mindanao Cup backed by CdO Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, Brgy. Carmen captain Kikang “Kapkik” Uy, Sen. Bong Go, Department of Tourism Region 10 and Philippine Sports Commission.

With Cebu up next, SLA will complete the country’s three major islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao standing tall in putting premium to grassroots basketball that serves as its main goal.

“Umuwi ang lahat na may ngiti and no regrets. It showed the world that Mindanao is a place to visit especially Cagayan de Oro,” Chan beamed.