MANILA, Philippines - Twenty-four of the Jr. NBA alumni from Batch 2009 to Batch 2013 will clash in a Red vs White basketball match on Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
NBA talents Gordon Hayward of the Utah Jazz and WNBA Llegend Tina Thompson will coach the two squads in the event which will reprise last year’s highly successful and crowd-drawing alumni game between Team Muggsy and Team Jolas. Last year’s teams were coached by then visiting NBA Legend Muggsy Bogues and Jr. NBA Philippines coach Jojo Lastimosa of Alaska.
Besides incoming collegiate league rookies, this year’s Alumni All Star Game will be headlined by members of the Philippine Under-18 team and high school stars of their respective schools and universities.
Jr. NBA alumni who have confirmed to play are Aldrin Fegidero of Jose Rizal University, Henry Asilum of the University of the Philippines, Paul Harley Dagunan and Ichie Altamirano of the University of the East, Tsaddy Rangel of Hope Christian School, Thristan Edge Laman, Roald Mayor, Patrick Ramirez and Vince Ferrer of the University of Santo Tomas, Tyler Tio and Jarrel Lim of Xavier School;
Gian Mamuyac of the Ateneo de Manila, Marco Sario, Aljun Jay Melecio and Miguel Fortuna of De La Salle Zobel, Ricci Rivero of La Salle Greenhills, Lorenzo Navarro and Carlo Escalambre of San Sebastian College, Samuel Abuhijleh of San Beda College, Pawandeep Singh of System Plus College Foundation of Angeles City, Lui Besa of Holy Spirit School of Bohol, Miguel Competente of Ateneo de Davao, Rendell Senining of National University and Arnie Padilla of Far Eastern University.
Meanwhile, the National Training Camp will be held at the Philippine International Convention Center Forum 2 & 3 from April 25-26 and the SM MOA Concert Hall on April 27. The Jr. NBA Alumni All-Star game is a highlight of the NTC and a much-awaited event among parents, coaches, basketball fans and the mall-going public.