6 international teams banner 12thNBTC National Finals

6 international teams banner 12^thNBTC National Finals

by rick olivares

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – The 12^thseason of the Chooks to Go NBTC National Finals presented by SM promises to be the biggest staging for Philippine high school basketball’s biggest event.

A total of 105 cities – up from the high of 80 from last year -- from all over the archipelago including a record six international teams featuring Filipinos born overseas will take part in the National Finals from March 18-24 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Following the intense city championships, the winners will compete in the regional tournaments. From there, the 16 regional champions will join 10 NCR teams that will include the winner and first runner-up of the NCAA and UAAP tournaments as well as in the six international teams in the National Finals.

In this 12^thNBTC National Finals, teams from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and one each from Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, including first-timer, Italy will participate. 

Last year, Fil-Americans Jalen Green – who competed for the USA in the Fiba Under-17 Championships – and Kihei Clark led the American team.

Aside from the National Finals, the entire week will find an assortment of pocket competitions from the annual high school All-Star Game, the dunk contest, the 3x3 tourney, and the Coaches Convention that is open to NBTC coaches as well as coaches from private and public high schools. 

The reigning NBTC National Champion is Nazareth School of National University. 

The 12^thChooks to Go NBTC National Finals presented by SM is also sponsored by Darlington Exped Socks, Purefoods, Freego Jeans, Huawei, Gatorade, Go for Gold, and Epson.