September 2011

FUTURE basketball superstars in Cebu got their skills honed again as they played competitive 3-on-3 basketball with ample sports education during the recent 3rd BTC Cup.

Twenty schools entered at least 69 4-man teams in four age categories and competed in what has now evolved as Cebu’s premier 3-on-3 series at Banilad Town Centre (BTC).

They had the four weekends of August 2011, both Saturdays and Sundays, as opportunities to play with different teams with varying styles & strategies.

“The major basketball leagues in Cebu have been dominated by a handful of schools,” noted BTC marketing director Cerwin T. Eviota, organizing commissioner of the series for three seasons now.

“Our tournament opened the doors to schools that would rather shy away from the big leagues, and they are happy to see that their students play competitive basketball in the BTC Cup because we have a level playing field,” he added.

As the series has since followed the Nike 3-on-3 rules, organizers and officials from Cebu Basketball Referees Association (CeBRA) have always consistently made sure that the teams play no unnecessary roughness.

Character

“I enjoy watching the kids play, and I feel confident my son won’t be hurt unreasonably, and the players gain a lot of wisdom from their experiences in the series,” remarked one parent from PAREF Springdale School.

“CIC (Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion) is a new and a young team. Our boys are happy they had the opportunity to test their skills in the BTC Cup,” noted CIC coach Frankie Lastimoso.

“Nitaas gyud ang confidence sa mga boys nako karon,” added the former Chowking superstar in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL).

Former Mayor Camilo Go admitted that joining the 3rd BTC Cup was a test if the boys at St. John of Kenty (SJK), his new school in Consolacion, can have a worthy experience.

“Next year we will definitely enter 10-under and 12-under teams,” quipped Go, who coached the 2010 16-under champion team from University of Southern Philippines (USP) Foundation. “BTC Cup helps in honing their skills.”

“Future basketball superstars are being prepared by the BTC Cup,” remarked Virgilio Godinez, coach of San Isidro Parish School (SIPS) in Talamban.

He said parents are very supportive as they are very pleased by the character, discipline and camaraderie promoted by the league.

He isclosed that his players and those at St. Paul Learning Center (SPLC) have since been communicating, and have recently played in each other’s intramurals in friendly matches.

Sacred Heart School (SHS) – Ateneo de Cebu coach Jed Cabellin also affirmed that the BTC Cup has given the players “extra exposure for the kids to develop their skills,” especially for those being prepared for eventual big-time varsity competitions.

The schools

As the BTC Cup gained popularity, seven schools joined the roster this year. They are: Benedicto College, Cebu Bradford School, Formation School & Kiddies Learning Center, University of the Visayas (UV). CIC, SJK and SPLC.

Four schools have had been in their second season in the league, namely: Sotero B. Cabahug (SBC) Forum for Literacy, Word International Ministries, SIPS and USP-F.

Nine consistently took part in the series since 2009.

They are Bright Academy, Cebu Cherish School, Center for International Education, Philippine Christian Gospel School (PCGS), St. Alphonsus Catholic School (SACS), St. Louis College – Cebu, Southwestern University, Springdale and SHS-Ateneo.

Eight had been with the league in either or both the first two seasons. They may have missed it this year, but they indicated to join again next year.

They include Academ Institute, Benthel Asia School, Cebu Eastern College, Don Bosco Technology Center, Maria Montessori International School, M-Zed Christian School, Royal Oaks International School, and University of San Carlos.

2011 champions

The 2011 edition of the BTC Cup saw the SPLC Paladin Knights becoming champion at 10-under, SBC Forum at 12-under, SACS Eagles at 14-under, and UV Baby Lancers at 16-under.

Named Most Valuable Players (MVP) of the year were Joshua Balankig of SPLC at 10-under, Ram Denzylle Pepito of SBC Forum at 12-under, Renz Singculan of SACS at 14-under, and David Du of PCGS Blue Lions at 16-under.

Next year, the league will grant a “Coach of the Year” award for the coach who demonstrates exemplary decorum from the bench in the tournament presented always by Thirsty Juices & Shakes, Dimsum Break and Nike Athletic Club.

The tournament has also been supported since last year by Robinson’s Supermarket, Nature Spring and InterMed Marketing, makers of Cherifer PGM 10-22 Growth Vitamins and Memorx IQ Plus.

This year, Holy Kettle Corn, Tutoring Club, and Optical Adult & Child, distributor of Lacoste, Oakley, Tag Heuer, Giordano, Levi’s and Silhouette sunglasses, have also backed the BTC Cup.

Reportorial articles on the 3rd BTC Cup with lots of action photos from start to end of the tournament may be reviewed online at https://btc2011cup.wordpress.com/.

Articles and photos during the 1st and 2nd BTC Cup may also still be reviewed, respectively, at http://btc2009cup.wordpress.com/ and http://btc2010cup.wordpress.com/.