Thursday, February 07, 2008 RP youth team joins PBL as guest squad
THE newly-formed Nokia Pilipinas Youth Team organized by the Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) got a major boost after one of the country’s semi-professional basketball leagues agreed to have them as guest team.
BAP-SBP secretary general Patrick Gregorio, who met with the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) board yesterday, said the PBL accepted the Nokia Pilipinas Youth team to play against the other PBL teams when the league opens on Feb. 23.
The plan was finalized in a meeting between Gegroio and PBL executive director Butch Maniego and Tommy Ong yesterday.
“We thank the PBL for this opportunity. Tuloy na tuloy na ang RP youth program ng BAP-SBP,” said Gregorio.
The main goal for the team in their participation is to expose in a competitive tournament since the team is set to join in different competitions abroad. On top of the long list will be the Asian Basketball Association youth tournament in Kuala Lumpur and the Asian Youth Championship later this year in Iran.
“We in the PBL are more than willing to help. This is for our country,” said Maniego. The PBL has proven to be a good training ground for the national team judging from the performance of its very first guest team, the Harbour-RP, which went on to win the Sea Games gold last year.
Meanwhile, RP youth team manager Jun Sy, who is also the chairman of the Tao Corporation expressed his gratitude to PBL. (MCB)
