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photo: PSAA and Spalding sign the partnership for the promotion of the new league through PSAA founder Fernando Arimado (right) and Proline Sports Inc. vice president Joven Babaan
NEW hope, a new dawn in Philippine grassroots basketball.
With its main thrust focus on basketball development at the grassroots level, the Philippine School Athletics Association (PSAA) – the newest school-based league dedicated to high school students – is all system go for its inaugural season on March 3 at the Ynares Coliseum in Pasig City.
PSAA founder and soon-to-be commissioner of the league, Fernando ‘Butz’ Arimado, announced that 20 teams are all gearing up to participate in the league’s four categories – 18-under, 16-under, 14-under, and 12-under (boys and girls) – as they looking to strengthen their respective programs and prepare student-athletes for higher level tournaments in the future.
Aside from basketball, PSAA is also lined up to hold volleyball, chess, and athletics events.
“Our league will not be formed without the cooperation of our school officials, coaches, managers, and sponsors who continue to trust in our ability to organize leagues for young athletes,” Arimado said at the team managers and coaches meeting on Saturday at The Olive Place in Mandaluyong City.
“This is a great opportunity for young players to be able to play in an organized tournament and help them improve the quality of their talents,” he said.
According to Arimado, who is also the founder of the National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) and the country’s representative in the International Youth Basketball League (IYBL), the participating schools can count on a smooth and fair league, particularly in the technical and officiating aspects that will be managed by the veteran coach Edgar Perry Brojan as Deputy Operation and Technical head with assistant coach Joel Baldago.
After the opening ceremony, the league will be held in a home-and-away format to allow the schools to expose their players in front of their schoolmates.
School officials and sponsors join the technical official meeting for the PSAA which opens on March 3.
“This is a good opportunity for our students to develop further not just their skills but their character,” said Ms. Theresa Dita Gracia Avendario-Pitalbo, Athletic Director and Principal of Holy Deliverance Integrated Christian School -Angono.
Apart from HDICS, also confirmed to participate in the league sponsored by Spalding (official ball), DataLand Inc., Titans, GotoBox, iSEED, Café Uno, RGG Stainless Steel, Seashore Petroleum, PRM Sportwear, Ringless Sports, Solar Sports as broadcast partner at Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports, Inc. (TOPS) as media partners, are Xavier School, De La Salle Zobel, San Beda, Marist School, New Era University, St. Augustine International, UST-Angelicum, National University, JCSGO Christian Academy, Manila Central University, Paco Academy Foundation, Our Lady of Perpetual Succor College Marikina, Antipolo National High School, St. Bernadette College Alabang, Arandia College, Philippine Christian University, Siena College Taytay, Sta. Clara International Academy, Mayamot National High School, AMA East Rizal, St. Mathews College San Mateo, St. Claire, and EDSCI Green Knights.
“More than 50 schools have sent an intention to play, but we have to get all the necessary documents. If ever, we will divide it into groups so that we can finish within three months,” said Arimado.
Arimado also acknowledged the support of Spalding, led by Joven Babaan, the vice president of Proline Sports Center, Inc., as well as DataLand represented by Ms. Helen Zablan, In-House Sales Manager, and Ms. Maricris Marcelo, Account Sales Manager.
“We’re always being a partner in basketball development so you can count on us for help,” said Babaan.
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