MANILA, Philippines - Except for the fourth and last team from the NCAA, everything is set for the staging of the second Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship on Nov. 9 at The Arena in San Juan.
Four teams each from the UAAP, NCAA and the Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball League will see action in the tournament put up last year by eight Fil-Chinese businessmen to help prepare promising junior players realize their dream of playing in the premier collegiate teams.
“We were gladdened by the success of the inaugural tournament. Most of the parents were likewise happy with the progress of their kids that’s why we are holding it again,†said Hapee owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro. “Certainly, this kind of tournament will help toughen our junior players.â€
Ever Bilena chairman Dioceldo Sy said the PSSBC “is also a window of opportunity for collegiate coaches since they can get players they want for their respective teams. We have an abundance of talents especially from the UAAP, NCAA and Tiong Lian so this is their best time to scout.â€
Aside from Sy and Pedro, other backers of the event are Terry Que of Welcoat, Jimi Lim of Ironcon Builders, Jimmy dela Cruz of Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Leoncio Chua of MEC, Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear and Edward Tio of Wrangler.
Reigning champion National University will lead the UAAP cast while Xavier School, Hope Christian High School , Chiang Kai Shek College and St. Stephen’s High School will make up the Tiong Lian cast.
Aside from NU, other UAAP schools are Ateneo, La Salle-Zobel and Far Eastern U. Assured of berths from the NCAA are San Beda, San Sebastian and La Salle Greenhills. The fourth spot is a toss-up between Mapua and Jose Rizal U.