Tryouts set for Nokia RP U-18 team

MANILA, Philippines - Nokia RP head coach Eric Altamirano announced that the Nokia national team will be formed for the Fiba Asia U-18 Championship for Men in September of next year.

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Noli Eala issued the directive to Altamirano, who announced that open tryouts for the Nokia RP U-18 team will be held on Jan. 4, 5 p.m., at the PhilSports Arena. Aspirants born in 1992 will be considered for the team.

Altamirano thanked the SBP leaders headed by chairman Manny Pangilinan and Eala for their continued support in the three-year program backed by Nokia Philippines and TAO Corporation headed by president Jun Sy.

“I thank the SBP for allowing us to form a team this time for the U-18 Championships. Their support will go a long way in fully rejuvenating basketball in the country,” said Altamirano.

The Nokia RP U-16 team gained modest success by placing fourth right in the inaugural Fiba Asia U-16 tournament held recently in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. It was the best finish by any Philippine youth team in recent years.

Altamirano also said he will be looking for taller players as the competition in the U-18 segment is expected to be tougher as the opponents are much older and stronger.

“Our mindset for the U-18 should be a bit different this time, but we will again continue to draw on our strengths of quickness, outside shooting and team play,”Altamirano said.

Expected to be considered for the Nokia RP U-18 team are some members of the Nokia RP U-16 team headed by team captain Kiefer Ravena, son of former national and PBA player Bong Ravena.

Others in that team were Von Pessumal, Roldan Sara, Gelo Alolino, Jeron Teng, Jeoffrey Javillonar, Kevin Ferrer, Mike Pate, Mike Tolomia, Nestor Bantayan, Paolo Romero and Cedric Labing-Isa.