FIL-AM Nation Select-USA, with pro coach Chris Gavina coaching for the first time in the junior level, provided a fitting end to a sweep by visiting teams in the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals.
Led by Andy Gemao, Fil-Am Nation Select USA showed composure in the fourth period as they turned back reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines titlist, Adamson Baby Falcons, 79-71, on Sunday for the Division 1 crown at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“We came out here, came together for a short time, to really showcase Fil-Am nation basketball. I was just there to lead the way,” said Gavina, who took a break from coaching older players in the pro and club leagues.
The squad relied on two of the team’s most reliable endgame specialists, Gemao, who tallied with 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists, and Terrence Hill, who added 12 points, five assists, and four boards.
“A lot of these players are in high-level programs. They have been in situations before, and it was all about finding the right persons in the court to bring them together,” said Gavina.
Earlier, Canada’s Top Flight Sports topped Division 2 with a come-from-behind 95-93 overtime triumph over Eco Green Technology-Makati
Earlier, National University-Nazareth School and Fil-Can Nation Select took the inaugural Girls’ 19U and Boys’ 19U plums, respectively.
The NUNS Lady Bullpups weathered Naomi Panganiban’s 51-point explosion to beat Fil-Am Nation Select, 78-73, while the Fil-Canadians prevailed over Fil-Am Nation Select, 82-76, in the boys’ final.
The Boys 16-under title went to Fil-Am Nation Select 1, which stopped the Mighty Warriors, 103-95, while Homegrown (Victoria) got the Boys 14-Under championship by demolishing Xavier, 99-65.