FBA aims to discover hoop prospects

MANILA, Philippines – The Filsports Basketball Association was officially launched Tuesday with hopes of helping the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas discover fresh new talents nationwide and giving them an avenue to show their skills.

"The FBA is placing greater focus on grassroots talents and growth of the sport on the regional level, highlighting local support of followers and encouraging wider participation through upliftment of local basketball players, referees, coaches and officials," said FBA commissioner Vince Hizon.

Hizon and FBA chair LJ Serrano also unveiled in the league's launch at Rocca Ristorante in Quezon City Tuesday night the six teams that are participating, spearheaded by the Laguna Busa Warriors.

Since the league allows a maximum of two former pros with only one to play on the court at a time, Laguna is fielding in ex-PBA star Nic Belasco, who will also coach the team along with another star in 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, hard work, perseverance and the likes," said Belasco.

The other five teams joining are the Foton Pampanga Tornadoes, Numero Uno Antipolo Pilgrims, Malolos Mighty Bulacan, Racal Group of Companies and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.

Foton will be coached by former San Beda bench tactician Jonathan Reyes and boasts of players like UP's Mikee Reyes, Arellano University's Levi Hernandez, San Sebastian's Jay Sierra and former Adamson standout Marc Agustin, son of Ginebra coach Ato.

Francis Heslet coaches Antipolo, UP by Joe Ward while the Malolos Mighty Bulacan will be comprised mostly of players from Bulacan State University.

Hizon said they're trying to pattern the FBA to the defunct Metropilitan Basketball Association, which have teams not only in Luzon but also in Visayas and Mindanao, and the Philippine Basketball League, an amateur league.

"It's a combination of both plus more," said Hizon.

The tournament will use a double-round format elimination round with playoff matches to follow and will use FIBA or international basketball federation rules, referees as part of the league's partnership with the SBP.

"We'll use everything FIBA, the rules, referees, the balls and the size of the court, as part of our agreement with the SBP," said Hizon.

The league will be shown on the People's Television (PTV 4).