Big stages and bright lights have been set up in Ilocos Norte, Sarangani, Cebu, and Batangas as the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) showcases the best of under-19 basketball all over the Philippines.
Four Regional Championships are scheduled from January to March of next year, where winners from 68 Local City Qualifiers will compete for the right to advance to the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls.
“It’s about time we expand the glory of the National Finals to the regions,” said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano. “This is the NBTC’s way of upping the ante as we aim to discover more Filipino talents from the provinces.”
Laoag will kick off the four-part regional series, with Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc hosting the North Luzon RC at Centennial Arena from Jan. 18 to 21.
“We’re honored to be the first to kick off the NBTC RCs, and we’re excited to unearth the best young talents from North Luzon,” he said.
Following suit will be the Mindanao RC held at Sarangani Sports Training Center from Feb. 1 to 4 and hosted by Gov. Rogelio Pacquiao; the Visayas RC at Cebu Coliseum from Feb. 15 to 18 hosted by Cebu Landmasters; and the South Luzon RC at Batangas City Sports Center from Feb. 29 to Mar. 3 hosted by Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha-Mariño and the University of Batangas.
The top four teams from their respective RCs will earn tickets to the National Finals, taking place at SM Mall of Asia Arena from Mar. 18 to 24. The majority of LCQs are already underway, with the winners securing their place in the inaugural North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao championships.
Select RC games will be available for livestreaming worldwide via the Smart Livestream app, as well as the NBTC and Smart Sports Facebook pages.
