A foreign-laced, local basketball marathon league for young cagers will take centerstage from Aug, 16 to 18 in Metro Manila.
Organized by Davao Cocolife coach Don Dulay and conditioning coach Mat Makalintal, the tournament, named Asian Hoops Summit-Manila Showcase, is a three-day experimental marathon cage league to be bannered by local teams such as San Beda University, Letran, Mapua, Jose Rizal University, Passion Sports, FBA, Hotshots Basketball and Rise Up Hoops from Canada, led by Kelvin dela Pena.
“We believe in giving equal opportunities to our young basketball players, who aren’t seeing action in our leading collegiate leagues, even those who are playing in Team Bs or from club teams,” said Dulay, an ex-professional cager.
Dulay is currently Rain or Shine coaching staff member in the Philippine Basketball Association and is the Cocolife Tigers’ head coach in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
“Given the proper break, these potential young players are expected to excel in this new league with a high level of competition in their games. We believe that this will surely attract basketball aficionados here in Manila,” added Dulay.
Makalintal, on the other hand, sees the experimental league, to become a huge success as they are eyeing a longer showcase and more Asian teams to participate in the newly established Manila league.
Davao Cocolife deputy team manager Ray Alao also committed to throw his full support in the unique grassroots basketball program with a noble cause, put up by the young and sports-loving Fil-Am cagers/coaches in Dulay and Makalintal.
The opening ceremonies will take place at JRU Gym in Mandaluyong City on Aug. 16.
