Day 2 of the tryouts for the first ever Seaoil High School All-Star Game

I attended the second day of the tryouts for the first ever Seaoil High School All-Star Game at San Beda College last Sunday morning. I have watched only about half the participants (high school ballers from the NCAA and the UAAP) and this was a chance to see players from other schools.

It’s kind of exciting as this is a first – a high school all-star game – because it is patterned after the McDonald’s All-American game and we get to see the best high school players in action. Already there are some collegiate scouts watching the action in earnest.

Some have been snapped up by some college programs (I cannot say who is going where) while some aren’t sure where they will end up.

But who looked good last Sunday (the one I watched)? Ateneo’s Kyle Suarez, Mapua’s Rodolfo Alejandro, Olongapo City National High School’s Jaycee Marcelino, St. John’s Institute (of Bacolod)’s Kirell Montalbo, Holy Child Reds’ Chris Gavia, and of course, FEU’s spectacular Jerie Pingoy.

Watching Pingoy… I am reminded of what someone once wrote (or said) about Detroit Piston Isaiah Thomas – “His dribbling ability can get him anywhere on the court and do whatever he wants.” I saw him during the UAAP campaign and man, he is so much better now. Maybe it helps that he is playing with the best high school ballers from all over the country but he sure did elevate his game. And he didn’t need to score! He was just balling and dropping dimes. Threading defenses and hitting teammates for bounce passes and layups in traffic!

There are 100 players trying out for 30 slots for the Seaoil High School All-Star Game that will be played on March 4 at the Ynares Center in Pasig (the game will also be shown on AKTV). Watch out for this. There will be a couple of practices for the two teams that will be competing and we will announce when and where they will be held because it is open to the public. Stayed tuned to Bleachers’ Brew and other basketball sites.