RP 13-under tryouts resume

Over 250 kids showed up in the first RP Youth 13-under team tryouts at the Xavier School in San Juan City last Sunday with the field set to be trimmed this weekend when the second tryout is held at The Arena in San Juan City.   

“I’m very happy that many of these boys’ skills are being showcased here. They are the future of Philippine basketball and it’s an honor for me to be part in the development of their talent,” said head coach Mark Herrera, two-time Jr. PBA champion and assistant coach of the PBL Burger King Whoppers.

Herrera said another tryout will be held this Saturday, from 12 noon to 5 p.m., at The Arena in San Juan. Participants should bring their NSO certified birth certificates. Participants must be 13 years old on or before Sept. 1, 2009.

For details, call up Herrera at 0910-4611007; (02) 557-2157; or (02) 710-3639.

The aspirants, who came mostly from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, showcased their talent and skills during the jampacked, five-hour tryouts also conducted by assistant coaches PJ Navarro and Homer Bautista of Ateneo, Jerome Oliva of Xavier School and Benjie Diswe of St. Clare.

The event, under the SBP youth training program, serves as part of the selection process for the 13-under youth squad competing in the Florida State Championship in the US next year.

“I would like to thank the all-out support of SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, chairman Ricky Vargas, SBP Youth Commission chai Nic Jorge and SBP director Noli Eala,” Herrera said. Among Herrera’s advisers are former PBA stars Jerry Codiñera and Vergel Meneses. — end it//thanks