MANILA, Philippines—Since 2007, young standout Filipino ballers get the opportunity to show the rest of the world their talent in the annual Jr. NBA All-Stars.
In 2013, Tyler Tio was one of the 10 players who stood out during the Jr. NBA Philippines national training. Now, he’s a UAAP champion in Ateneo and he is nothing but thankful to the program for helping elevate his game.
“It gave me a lot of confidence,” Tio said of the Jr. NBA program. “Before that, I wasn’t really well known in the basketball circle, but I was able to get some exposure and I was able to pick up skills and values that helped me incorporate that into my basketball career.”
Tio, one of Jr. NBA Philippines’ most notable alumni, underscored the importance of hard work and proper nutrition in staying in top shape amid the grind of being a student-athlete.
This year, four youth players from the Philippines get a chance at what Tio had experienced as they head to the Jr. NBA Global Championship in Orlando, Florida from August 6-11.
Kobe Demisana from Bacolod, Camille Nolasco, Basti Reyes from Metro Manila and Matthew Rubico from Batangas already left for the US for the global junior basketball event where they will represent the Asia-Pacific.
Tio reminded the kids to savor every moment and soak in the learnings.
“Just give your all. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity because you’re not sure when you can represent the country again any other time,” said Tio. “Enjoy the process, have fun and don’t let it go to waste.”