Byron Scott is on a mission with Fil-Am Nation Select in the NBTC National Finals.
Byron Scott is not just any other visitor to the Philippines now.
Unlike his past visits, the former NBA Coach of the Year is here for a different cause, this time coaching Fil-Am Nation Select USA in its title defense bid in the 2025 Smart-NBTC National Finals.
“We want to do back-to-back. We have a bunch of guys who love to compete,” Scott expressed.
The Fil-American team is the first global team to win the NBTC Division 1 championship in the last year, and this time, it’s no different.
Bringing back Gilas Pilipinas Youth member Caelum Harris and last year’s Best Defensive Player Eian Lowe, Fil-Am Nation Select has every desire to keep the throne in the Philippine national 19-under championship, presented by SM Supermalls and Playtime Cares.
Scott’s hiring sure is a statement, but the 14-year NBA pro admitted that this partnership offers no guarantee for Fil-Am Nation Select, especially with this setup being a unique one for his part.
“I have been coaching pretty young teams but this is definitely the youngest,” the 64-year-old tactician admitted, with his players all being 19-under – a far cry from his past NBA coaching jobs where he handled marquee names like Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, and Kyrie Irving.
Nonetheless, his gaudy resume is enough motivation for his players to not just win for him, but also learn from him in this tilt which is also sponsored by MNL Kingpin, Molten, Pocari Sweat, Burlington, Swish, and Buffalo's Wings N' Things.
“Everything. I want to learn everything I can,” said Harris. “As one of the returning players, I know I have to step up as a leader, both on and off the court. It’s a role I’m ready for.”
Scott also wants to share those wisdom to these players in Fil-Am Nation Select.
“The late, great Kobe Bryant once told me that when he changed his jersey number to 24, it symbolized 24 hours in a day—24 hours to get better. That’s the mentality I want these guys to embrace.”
And if they do, expect a repeat to come for the fancied Fil-Ams at the end of the week.