Pinoy U-16 cagers book Fiba Asia ticket

THE PHILIPPINES booked a return trip to the Fiba Asia Under-16 tournament after ruling the Southeast Asia Basketball Association U16 Championship Thursday in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Just like in previous editions, the Filipinos swept the five-nation tournament, posting an average winning margin of 26 points.

Jose Lorenzo Mendoza, who also plays for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, bagged the MVP award.

Mentored by Jamike Jarin, the Philippines downed Thailand (82-58), Malaysia (76-72), Indonesia (87-52) and Singapore (85-44).

The Fiba Asia U16, which serves as a qualifier for the 2014 Fiba World U17 Championship, is set Sept. 25 to Oct. 4 in Tehran.

Kobe Paras, the 15-year-old son of PBA legend Benjie Paras, also starred for the team just two months after playing for the Philippine U18 squad that ruled the Fiba Asia U18 3×3 championship and earned a slot in the Fiba World 3×3 Championship.

Richard Escoto and Michael dela Cruz led the strong plays of the Nationals’ big men.

Lorenzo Fernando Navarro, Joseph Nieto, Michael Nieto, Arnie Padilla, Armando San Juan, Norrish Marc Decapia, Ricci Paolo Rivero and Jaime Andres Zalamea rounded out the squad.

In 2011, an U16 team coached by Olsen Racela swept the Seaba tilt before settling for fourth place in the Fiba Asia tournament in Vietnam.  Jasmine W. Payo