By: Jerod Orcullo
At the conclusion of this year’s Smart-National Basketball Training Center tournament, it was once again Fil-Am Nation Select that proved to be the cream of the crop, successfully defending its Division 1 title last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
While most fans flocked to see the much-anticipated showdown between Fil-Am Nation’s Caleum Harris and Phenom Bluefire’s Kieffer Alas, it was Lino Mark and Andrew Miller who stepped up in a big way for the reigning champions.
Mark, a 6-foot-2 guard from Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California, delivered a stellar performance in the championship game, torching Phenom Blue Fire with 32 points. His efforts earned him the Ato Balodato Most Outstanding Player award for Division 1.
“That was the goal, to come out here and be the best person I can be, be the best player. Playing for the team, playing for the win,” Mark said when asked if he expected to receive the award.
“I mean it feels amazing, this is my home. You know the love and support I got out here, it’s our match. I would love to come back here and play again.”
Meanwhile, Miller, who wrapped up his high school career at Springville High School, played a quieter role in the title game, finishing with five points.
But it was in the NBTC Slam Dunk Contest where he truly made his mark, outshining both Harris and Kainoa Patton to take home the crown.
“It’s so much fun out here, we’re playing fast-paced and that’s the best kind of basketball, I’ve loved it,” shared Andrew, the younger brother of former Terrafirma guard Taylor.
Both guards, part of the Class of 2025, are set to continue their basketball journeys in the U.S. collegiate circuit.
Mark committed to Rutgers University in October 2024, while Miller is staying in California, suiting up for UC Irvine in the Big West Conference of the NCAA.
At Rutgers, Mark expressed excitement about becoming a key contributor for the Scarlet Knights.
“My goal is just to be a starter, hopefully [in] my first season, make an impact and be a winning player,” he said.
Andrew, on the other hand, is focused on steady growth with the Anteaters, with the long-term goal of turning pro.
“Get as good as I can, enjoy my last few years of playing basketball. Hopefully, I can make it to the pros one day but just improve and have fun,” he explained.
As for the possibility of representing the Philippines on the international stage, both Mark and Miller voiced their interest in donning the Gilas colors someday.
Miller, however, noted that he is still in the process of securing his Filipino visa.
