Altamirano aims to groom newly-formed RP Under-16 squad

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Under-16 team coach Eric Altamirano hopes to enhance not only the skills of his players but also help form their values in time for the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) U16 championship. Altamirano said his main focus is not only skills enhancement but to also form the values of love for country, passion for the game, integrity, leadership and commitment to excellence. “We are hoping that the players' parents and respective schools will join us in this sacrifice for the country. We are doing this step by step," said Altamirano as he prepares the team for the SEABA U16 Championship Juniors Men Qualifying Tournament. The SEABA Youth tournament, which is a qualifier for the FIBA Asia U16 Junior Men’s tournament to be held on November this year, is set from July 25 to 29 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Part of the team’s preparation will be a two-month long exhibition games against other teams. They will also take part in the Nike Elite Basketball Camp at Brent in Laguna from April 3 to 8 and several mini-tournaments in Australia from April 12 to 22. The 16-member squad, which will be trimmed to 12 before the SEABA tournament, will also be part of the Nike Summer League and the Molten Invitational in Japan in May and June. Members of the Nokia Under-16 men’s junior team are Gelo Alolino (UPHR); Kevin Ferrer and Cederick Labin-isa (UST); Roldan Sara, John Aldrin Lunas, Raphael Nayve and Kristoffer dela Costa (San Beda Taytay); Von Rolfe Pessumal, Kiefer Ravena and Paolo Romero (Ateneo); Cris Michael Tolomia (FEU); Jeron Teng (Xavier); Michael Pate (International School for Better Beginners in Lucena); Jeoffrey Javillonar (Benedictine International School); Bobby Ray Parks Jr. (St. George International School) and Rene Sta. Maria. In order to earn the support of the schools and parents of the players, team manager Joel Lopa met with them last weekend at the Valle Verde Country Club where assistants Joey Guanio and Vic Ycasiano were also introduced together with scout Mon Jose and strength and conditioning coach Dan Rose. San Beda coach Ato Badolato, Ateneo juniors mentor Jamike Jarin and Far Eastern University high school team bench tactician Horacio Lim serve as the RP Under-16 team’s advisers with Ito Lopa as the head of operations. – GMANews.TV