MANILA, Philippines – Opisyal na inilunsad kahapon ang Filsports Basketball Association sa hangaring matulungan ang Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas na makadiskubre ng mga bagong talento.
“The FBA is placing greater focus on grassroots talents and growth of the sport on the regional level, highlighting local support of followers and encou-raging wider participation through upliftment of local basketball players, referees, coaches and officials,” sabi ni FBA commissioner Vince Hizon.
Inihayag din ni Hizon at ni FBA chair LJ Serrano ang anim na koponang lalahok sa torneo sa pangu-nguna ng Laguna Busa Warriors.
Sa pagpayag ng liga na humugot ang mga koponan ng isa hanggang dalawang dating pro players na magsasalitan sa hard court, kinuha ng Laguna sina ex-PBA star Nic Belasco at Ali Peek.
“I hope Ali and I could share our experiences with the younger guys and instill with them qualities that helped us in our 16 to 17 years in the PBA like discipline, hardwork, perseverance and the likes,” wika ni Belasco.
Ang iba pang koponan ay ang Foton Pampanga Tornadoes, Numero Uno Antipolo Pilgrims, Malolos Mighty Bulacan, Racal Group of Companies at ang University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.