INQUIRER Sports

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