Young Filipino ballers get shot to compete at Jr. NBA Global Championship

Tony Dela Cruz and Carlos Barroca talks about the upcoming Jr. NBA. Photo by Bong Lozada

MANILA, Philippines—It’s been more than a decade since the Philippines took part of the global community that is the Jr. NBA and in its the 12th year, Filipino kids have the chance to reach the pinnacle of the NBA’s grassroots program.

With the launch of Jr. NBA Global Championship, aspiring Filipino basketball players can test their skills not only against the best in the country but also against the best in the region.

The tournament is open for girls and boys from around the world aged 13 to 14.

“The baby became a teenager now,” said Carlos Barroca, NBA Asia’s Associate Vice President of Basketball Operations, Barroca during the press launch of the 2019 Jr. NBA Philippines Friday at the NBA Philippines headquarters in Bonifacio Global City.

Coaches and NBA officials will choose the top five boys and top five girls from across the Philippine camps who will take part in the Jr. NBA Global Championship Asian Qualifiers.

The lucky who will be chosen from the Asian Qualifiers will be part of 10-boy and 10-girl teams that would compete in the Global Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Walt Disney World in Orlando.

“After the games, there are still a lot of things going on and it’s an experience of a lifetime,” said Barroca.

“The kids should earn it and they should provide their commitment, and their ability,” said Barroca. “The moment we choose one, we want the kids to say that he earned that and that he’s the best.”

For those interested in joining Jr. NBA Philippines, they can register at www.jrnba.asia.