HAVING two visiting foreign teams in the Pinoyliga, a new tournament involving collegiate level basketball squads, is exciting for the organizers.
Benny Benitez, tournament director of Pinoyliga Cup, said this with their latest offering — the Global Invitational — now under way with five teams.
“It’s a dream come true for Pinoyliga. And we’re happy for the first international teams,” said Benitez on Monday night during a presentation held at the Games Ville Sports Bar in Mandaluyong City.
A Japanese side in Nagoya Gakuin University and a Fil-Am Nation selection has joined three local schools each in the men’s and women’s categories.
Nagoya Gakuin coach Hideki Takenoshita was present with members of his squad during the gathering, saying they will play their best during their weeklong visit here.
“Of course, we wish to be champions in this inaugaural tournament. We will do our best,” said Takenoshita.
The Gakuin side is fielding in players from different regional and national tournaments, seeking to know the physical brand of play in the Philippines.
Nagoya Gakuin University will face Fil-Am Nation Select on Thursday at Tanduay Gym in Manila,
This is after they play with University of Santo Tomas on Tuesday at the UST gym, and Emilio Aguinaldo College on Wednesday at the Tanduay Gym.
The Japanese squad will clash with the University of the East quintet on Saturday at the Paco Arena.