Gilas Pilipinas Boys head coach LA Tenorio praised the Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent Identification Program for playing a key role in Batang Gilas’ recruitment process as the search for young talent intensifies.
The five-day event, organized by tournament and clinic director Allen Ricardo at the Greenhills West Clubhouse in San Juan, brought together 16 teams from various provinces across the country.
The competition showcased a high level of play, but more importantly, it provided a crucial scouting platform for the national team.
More than just a stage for young players to display their skills, the Milcu Sports Got Skills U16 Talent ID was designed to help identify potential future stars for Gilas Youth.
As Tenorio begins to shape the team, the program serves as a valuable resource in assembling the right pieces.
“Actually, halos everyday akong ando’n. Maraming talents, actually, nakakatuwa and I’m excited,” said Tenorio, who was accompanied by assistant coaches Gabe Norwood and Josh Del Rosario.
“I know that there’s more talent outside that league. Actually, medyo I have an idea na kung sino ang i-invite kasi ‘yung tryouts ko by invitation, hindi siya open. So I talked to high school coaches sa mga universities and colleges. So nagpa-plano na ako.”
The 40-year-old mentor shared that he aims to finalize the team lineup by March, all while juggling his responsibilities as Barangay Ginebra’s veteran playmaker in the PBA and his new role as Gilas Youth’s head coach.
For Tenorio, events like the Milcu Sports Got Skills U16 Talent ID provide a significant boost to his scouting efforts.
“Malaking bagay itong Milcu, to be honest. I’m hoping na mas maraming pang gano’n kasi sa sobrang dami, hindi kayang i-accommodate lahat. So hopefully for the next years to come, mas marami pang gano’ng klaseng programs,” said Tenorio, also a deputy for Tim Cone in the Gilas Men’s team.
“And maybe, we’ll never know, baka ako na mismo mag-organize with the help of the coaching staff and the SBP and some of the high school coaches. Kami na ‘yung mag-oorganize para mas mapadali na rin,” he added.
“It’s not for me eh, it’s really the future of Philippine basketball. So hopefully, mas mapalawak pa.”
Several young standouts turned heads during the tournament, with prospects like Rowie Cabañero, Andwele Cabañero, Jhon Canapi, Sky Jazul, Francis Rosales, Jolo Pascual, Gab Delos Reyes, and Neil Garcia delivering impressive performances for their respective teams.
Even Tenorio himself was left in awe of the talent level at such a young age.
“To be honest, nagulat ako sa talent sa gano’ng age bracket na under-16 — and hindi pa lahat ‘yun,” he said.
