The highly-anticipated NBTC National Finals will also serve as an outlook on the Philippines' possible Gilas Pilipinas team.
The National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals are not only a showcase of top-tier basketball talent, but also an opportunity to discover potential gems for the Gilas Pilipinas national team, according to program director Eric Altamirano.
With teams hailing from various parts of the world, Altamirano emphasizes that despite the diversity, Filipino players will dominate the courts during the National Finals. This event serves as a breeding ground for aspiring Filipino hoopsters to exhibit their skills on a national stage.
"We’re really excited to see the teams participating in the National Finals, teams from different parts of the world. When I say different parts of the world, Filipinos will still be playing in the National Finals," Altamirano expressed.
Altamirano further elaborated on the significance of the event, highlighting its role in identifying talents capable of representing the country in international competitions such as Gilas Pilipinas.
He emphasized the importance of scouting potential players who possess the skill, determination, and passion to compete at the highest level.
"We’re hoping that among these players, we can find the gems that can play for the national team. Of course, we'll see them play in college in the UAAP and NCAA," Altamirano added.
Some of the players who have participated in the NBTC and later represented Gilas include Kai Sotto, Carl Tamayo, Kevin Quiambao, and several others. In the current crop of young guns, Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas, the top-2 players in this year's national rankings, have already proven themselves as key assets for Gilas Youth.
The NBTC, now in its 17th year, continues to operate as a basketball program aimed at recognizing and nurturing exceptional talent among high school students from both private and public high schools.
The tournament not only provides a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities but also serves as a crucial step in the talent development pipeline for Philippine basketball.
As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the courts, eagerly watching for the emergence of future stars who may one day don the Philippine colors and represent the nation with pride on the international stage.
According to Altamirano, the 2024 NBTC National Finals will be composed of 16 regional teams, the top four UAAP and NCAA teams, two wildcard entries, and seven overseas-based squads.
The tournament will run from March 18-24, with the final being held at the Mall of Asia Arena next Sunday.