Seaoil National Finals, All-Star game set for March 6-9

Program director Eric Altamirano (middle) poses for a picture with the country’s top young basketball players, who will strut their stuff in the All-Star game on March 9. Contributed Photo

MANILA, Philippines — Expect nip-and-tuck competition when the country’s best high school teams slug it out in the 2014 Seaoil National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) League National Finals from March 6-9 at the Meralco Gym and Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Metro Manila schools San Beda, National University, Hope Christian High School and Chiang Kai Shek are the favorites to win the title with 20 other schools also vying for contention.

“We’re all set. This is what everybody has been waiting for — the 24 best high school teams in the land,” said program director Eric Altamirano.

“It’s going to be tough and at the same time exciting. It’s always a challenge to compete with the best,” said Chiang Kai Shek coach Goldwin Monteverde, who steered his team to the Seaoil-Metro Manila Basketball League championship over Tiong Lian rival Hope Christian recently.

Monteverde also said that he sees NU and Hope Christian as the teams to beat for this year’s crown.

Aside from the tournament itself, an All-Star event — featuring the country’s top 30 graduating high school seniors led by Arvin Tolentino, Thirdy Ravena and Hubert Cani — will also be held on March 9 at the Ynares Arena.

“For the last three years, it was the most talented batch. I really expect a good turnout in the All-Star game. They all came together for the All-Star game,” said Altamirano in a press conference Monday in Malate.