FIFTEEN of the best boys and girls basketball players in the country flew to Shenzhen, China to join their Asean counterparts in a once-in-a-lifetime NBA experience.
The players, members of the JrNBA/JrWNBA Presented by Alaska Philippines All-Stars will watch the first-ever NBA Global Games in Shenzhen between the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers at the Shenzhen Universiade Center.
They were led by the 2015 Coach of the Year Winners and joined their counterparts from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in the activity to be held Oct. 9 to 12.
The Philippine All-Stars were joined by the 56 top JrNBA players from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. They will play friendly exhibition games, meet NBA players and legends, and explore local landmarks in China.
The JrNBA/JrWNBA presented by Alaska gave its participants the chance to watch a live NBA game as a fun, enriching NBA experience that will help them become better basketball players and members of the community.
“They don’t only have the skills in basketball but also have a certain personality that will help them represent not just the sport of basketball, not just the overall values of Alaska and the Jr.NBA/Jr.WNBA but also that your country when you get there in China,” said Alaska Vice President for Marketing Blen Fernando.
The NBA teamed up with Alaska Milk in the international youth development program to promote basketball participation, sportsmanship, teamwork, and an active lifestyle among children.
It is now in its eighth consecutive year. The JrNBA/JrWNBA program has reached more than 100,000 boys and girls as well as parents, and coaches in the country.
“Through our partnership with the NBA, the JrNBA and JrWNBA presented by Alaska have encouraged children to participate in sports to nurture their talent and live a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, President and CEO of Alaska Milk Corporation.
“We are thrilled for the JrNBA and JrWNBA Philippines All-Stars headed to Shenzhen, for being exemplary role models of our aspirations to keep children in their winning form. In 2016, we expect to reach more young aspiring basketball players by bringing the JrNBA program to more cities nationwide, and making this more inclusive with fun, engaging activities for everyone.”
The JrNBA/JrWNBA Philippines All-Stars include 10 boys and five girls from Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, Dagupan, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, and Davao.
The girls are Kyla Flores of Parañaque Science High School, Nelia Jean David and Micaela Denise Pentecostes of the Diliman Preparatory School of Quezon City; Luisa Krizelle San Juan of Amazing Grace School in Laguna, and Heart Pagara Donor of Assumption College of Davao.
The boys are Robert Alomar Castro and Lloyd Raphael Oliva of La Salle Greenhills, Luis Sebastian Locsin and Edrian Custodio of De La Salle Zobel, Joshua Garing of De La Salle Lipa, Miguel Luigi Santos of Ateneo de Manila, Ernest John Felicilda and Jeffy Mailim of Corpus Christi College in Cagayan de Oro, Christian Allen Magno of St. Albert the Great of Dagupan, and Daniel Anthony Coo of St. John’s Institute of Bacolod.
The JrNBA and JrWNBA Coach of the Year are Gabriel Victor Tan of Lucena City and Sunshine Echavez of Puerto Princesa.
The JrNBA/JrWNBA presented by Alaska does not just search for the best young basketball players it has helped foster a healthy lifestyle among children and families through the combination of proper nutrition and active lifestyle.
It continues to be an effective platform in activating Alaska Milk’s program designed to fight against the increasing number of overweight and undernourished children in the Philippines.
Fans can visit the official website at www.jrnba.asia/philippines and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jrnbaphilippines for more information on the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Philippines program. For all things NBA, visit www.nba.com.