MANILA, Philippines—So you want to play for the national team? A stint in the Nokia National Basketball Training Center Developmental League is a good start, according to Under-16 coach Eric Altamirano.
Altamirano said playing in the NBTC has its advantages, including a training stint under coaches and experts who are veterans of international tournaments.
“Playing in the NBTC is a plus factor,” he said. “The players are assured of practicing under the same module to make sure that there is a unified approach in developing their skills.”
Lhiel Pascual, an investment banker, has a son, 6-foot-3 Martin, who plays for the B-Meg Pasig team.
“The league teaches players to be well-rounded,” Pascual said. “My son plays the center slot but at the NBTC, he can use his other skills like three-point shooting and he’s doing well.”
B-Meg owns four teams—Pasig, Bulacan, Batangas and Cebu—but it’s getting its money’s worth, said national sales manager Jovie Sepe. Romina S. Austria