Barrios cites PSSBC Battle of Champions

MANILA, Philippines – Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) executive director Sonny Barrios lauded the concerted efforts of the major stakeholders of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) for staging the annual “Battle of Champions” for high school.

Barrios said the holding of the tournament augurs well to SBP’s massive program to discover and nurture high school players to become future Philippine team members.

“It is very encouraging and definitely significant contributing to the overall effort to improve and enhance skills of our basketball youth through PSSBC,” said Barrios, a former PBA commissioner.

“We in the SBP salute and congratulate the men behind the prestigious event,” added Barrios.

The tournament – called Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup – was conceived four years ago through the efforts of Freego’s Eduard Tio, Blackwater Sports’ Dioceldo Sy, Hapee Toothpaste’s Dr. Cecilio Pedro and Ironcon Builders’ Jimi Lim.

They also invited Rain or Shine’s Terry Que, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum’s Jimmy dela Cruz, MEC Networks’ Leoncio Chua and Dickies Underwear’s Rudy Yu to join the group and contribute financially for the holding of the tournament with an aim of helping the youth become future stars – first in the collegiate level.

“We all love the sport of basketball so we bonded together. That’s started the history of PSSBC,” said Tio. “It’s our own way of helping SBP in their search for future national team members.”

“We need to inspire other youngsters that’s why we are going to televise the games,” added Dela Cruz.

The tournament, which will start on Dec. 12. will be shown on AksyonTV.