The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) backed UST Junior Growling Tigresses and FEU Diliman Baby Tamaraws as the two teams represented the Philippines in the Singapore tournament, which brought together elite youth teams from 11 Asia-Pacific countries in a showcase of emerging basketball talent across the region.
Both Philippine squads faced tough international competition, with the defending UAAP girls’ basketball champions from UST suffering a narrow 81-78 loss to Australia’s Rowville Secondary College. Meanwhile, the reigning UAAP boys’ basketball champions from FEU Diliman fell to Japan’s Tottori Johoku High School, 81-75.
Despite the setbacks, the SBP emphasized that the tournament served as a valuable development opportunity for the young athletes as they gained experience against different playing styles and basketball cultures.
SBP Executive Director Erika Dy traveled to Singapore to personally support the Philippine delegation, joining UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag in watching the teams compete on the international stage.
Rather than focusing on the losses, Dy pointed to the exposure gained by the players and coaches throughout the tournament.
“Well, it’s a very good experience for both the players and the coaches. I was able to talk to some of the staff members of both our boys and girls team here, and they’re very happy about the exposure that the players are receiving or getting from this tournament,” Dy said.
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Down to the wire, but Tottori Johoku High School comes away with the 81-75 win over FEU Diliman High School.
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Beyond competition, Dy also highlighted the importance of building connections among athletes and basketball officials from different countries. She described the tournament as a platform where young players could develop relationships that could benefit them in future international competitions.
“And on my end, I think one thing that they can really take home is the sports diplomacy that’s involved here. So you can see the players making friends with other players from the other countries and carrying themselves really well. So that’s something for sure they will bring to the national team also once they make it there,” she said.
That focus on long-term development was also echoed by Saguisag, who stressed that the tournament was about creating opportunities and strengthening the basketball community beyond borders.
“Right now, it’s not necessarily bringing home [the championship], but really expanding the global community, networking to begin with, just establishing new linkages and bridges.” he said.
With the NBA Rising Stars Invitational experience now added to their journey, the UST Junior Growling Tigresses and FEU Diliman Baby Tamaraws return home with lessons that extend beyond wins and losses. For the SBP, these international opportunities are part of the bigger mission of preparing young Filipino players for the global basketball stage.
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