Five-star recruit Jalen Green headlines the notable Filipino-foreign talents who will see action for the six international teams that will add spice to the 2019 Chooks-to-Go SM NBTC League National Finals.
The 17-year-old Green – who turned heads in last year’s competition, and set the NBTC record for most points scored in a game with 51 – will be back in the fold for FilAm Sports USA. They will compete in the national high school championship sponsored by Chooks-to-Go, Darlington-Exped Socks, EPSON, Huawei, Freego, Purefoods, Gatorade, Go for Gold, SM, and Molten.
But this time, the team won’t be all about Green.
Jeron Artest, the son of former NBA star Metta World Peace, will be part of Bong Ulep-coached FilAm Sports USA, together with Eli Ramos, the brother of Cal Poly Pomona wingman Dwight Ramos.
Also returning for the Fil-Ams are forward Brandon Wilson and guard Boogie Ellis in the week-long festivities, which is also presented by 5 Plus and Lighthouse Events.
Durham Crossover Canada also takes the floor anew, while coach Mike Cruz brings back the solid core of Tyler Garcia, Denzel Faraon, Jason Diaz, and Josh Samonte.
Playmaker Jasper Rentoy is set to take the lead for AusPinoy Australia. Meanwhile, Chiolo Anonuevo – who played last season with the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws – will reinforce the debuting Italy Europe Proudly Pinoy.
Completing the NBTC record-high six international teams are Camp David New Zealand and newcomer Top Flight Hoops Vancouver.
All six international teams will see action on Monday for the Seeding Round, where they will mix it up against wildcards FEU-Diliman and Hope Christian High School in a battle for positioning.
The annual Chooks-to-Go SM NBTC League National Finals is at Mall of Asia Arena from March 18 to 24.
The tournament semis and finals, alongside the annual All-Star Game, will be aired live on ESPN5. All games, from the seeding round to the championship round, will also be streamed live over at tv5.espn.com
Last year, National U were crowned kings of Division 1, while La Salle Lipa ruled Division 2.
