Among the young basketball players selected were Henjz Gabriel Demisana from Bacolod Tay Tung; Joshua Minguillo; Zhan Paolo Moreno from Xavier University in Cagayan de Oro; Sebastian Roy Reyes from the Nazareth School of National University; and Lionel Metthew Rubico from De La Salle Lipa for the males, and Dianne Camille Nolasco from Miriam College; Karylle Sierba from Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation; Mikylla Taborada from Corpus Christi School; Justine Mhyrra Vibangco from Saint Joseph Parish School; and Princess BJ Marie Villlarin from De La Salle Zobel for the females.
For the selection process, the players participated in a program at the Gatorade Hoops Center and Don Bosco Technical Institute on Saturday, May 18, with the aid of coaches that include: professional NBA guard Collin Sexton from the Cleveland Cavaliers and WNBA legend Tichia Pencheiro. Local coaches Carlos Barroca and Natalia Andre were there as well as Jeffrey Cariaso and Tony dela Cruz. The selection process was finalized after an exhibition game between the aspirants at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall the next day.
Besides the 10 players who were hand-picked to represent the Philippines in the international competition, Reyes and Nolasco were hailed men’s and women’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) as well.
The first of its kind, the Jr. NBA Philippines has been presented by Alaska since 2007, aiming to improve youth health and wellness through the promotion of physical activity and nutrition. It is co-sponsored by AXA, Gatorade, Globe, Panasonic, Rexona and Vivo.