2019 Jr NBA Philippines team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippines will be well represented in the Jr.NBA Global Championship after four of the country’s best young players were chosen to become part of the Asia Pacific team.
Camille Nolasco, Sebastian Reyes, Heinz Gabriel Demisana, and Matthew Rubico were some of the top performing players of the first Jr. NBA Asia Pacific Selection camp held from June 15-16 at Universitas Pelita Harapan in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The four Filipino players will play in the Jr. NBA Global Championship, a tournament for the top 13 and 14-year-old boys and girls teams from around the world, from Aug. 6 to 11 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Florida.
“When I saw my opponents, I didn’t expect to be here since they’re so tall, but I brought the Filipino mentality ‘puso’ (heart) which helped me achieve my goal of being part of the Jr. NBA Asia Pacific girls team,” said Nolasco.
Nolasco, Demisana, Rubico, and Reyes were chosen among 34 boys and 34 girls from Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam after they participated in the camp that taught how to execute technical and tactical skills.
The camp also taught the young players how to develop teamwork among them despite varying languages and cultural backgrounds.
“I’m excited for the competition in the United States because it will be a lot harder than in Asia. Representing the Philippines is a big deal for myself because not all kids have an opportunity to play for their country,” said Reyes.