The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) will introduce the inaugural Junior High School Basketball Tournament, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Gym.
The demonstration event, an under-16 competition, features seven schools, namely Adamson University, Ateneo High School, De La Salle-Zobel, Far Eastern University-Diliman, National University Nazareth School, University of Santo Tomas, and University of the East.
Each of these institutions will take turns hosting the tournament throughout its duration.
UAAP Season 86 president Rodrigo Roque of UE expressed the importance of adding another division to its high school ranks, stating, “We recognize the need for nurturing our young talents at the high school level. Introducing a dedicated division for Junior High School student-athletes is a crucial step, ensuring equal exposure that becomes the bedrock for their development in higher competitions. This move not only hones their skills early but also readies them for the road ahead.”
The tournament kicks off at 9 a.m. with an exciting matchup between UST and FEU-D, followed by NUNS versus ADU at 11 a.m., and UE against DLSZ at 1 p.m.
The highlight of the opening day will be the 11 a.m. clash between the Baby Falcons and the Bullpups, a rematch of the recent High School Boys’ Finals where Adamson secured its first crown in the sport since 1993.
According to Baby Falcons head coach Mike Fermin and Bullpups head coach Kevin de Castro, they will field new Grade 10 and below players for this tournament.
Ziv Espinas and the Blue Eagles will make their debut on Saturday, March 16, facing the Junior Archers, who will possibly field Kieffer Alas, at 11:00 a.m. at Adamson Gym.
Day 3 of the tournament, scheduled for Sunday, March 24, will take place at FEU-FERN Diliman Gym.
Following the elimination round, the top four teams will advance to the knockout semis on April 27, with the championship game set to be a winner-take-all match.
The UAAP aspires for the Junior High School Basketball Tournament to become a regular fixture in the calendar, with plans to expand into other high school events.
Roque added, “In envisioning the future of UAAP, the Junior High School Basketball Tournament serves as a testing ground, a ‘test event’ that we hope will evolve into a staple for the seasons to come. Our long-term goal transcends basketball, as we aim to broaden this initiative to encompass other high school events in seasons to come.”
