NBTC Goes Global
By Emar Sy
Toronto-Canada
November 4, 2021
Houston Jalen Green playing for USA at the NBTC Finals in Manila
After a 2-year hiatus NBTC is going back with a bang with plans to go Global according to NBTC Head Coach Eric Altamirano during a zoom meeting held with leaders from the Filipino basketball communities around the globe that includes Canada and US – North America, Australia and New Zealand – Asia Oceana, Italy – Europe and UAE- Middle East.
NBTC International Coaches – Coach Nap - Vancouver, Coach Mike - Toronto, Coach Bong Ulep USA and Assistant Coach Rob – Australia
Plans to hold qualifying tournament in 2022 for Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and UAE is in the works and winners will represent their respective countries for the National High School Championships in Manila on March 2023. Appointed global heads includes Coach Mike Cruz – Canada, Ann Paulin – East Coast USA, Chris Jopez – West Coast USA, David Perez – New Zealand, Ever Cuerdo – Italy Europe and Cromwell Alvarez – Australia. The program hopes to discover and identify more Fil International players that can be tapped as well for the Gilas national team.
Matthew Daves who played for Canada and got recruited by Ateneo De Manila
James Canlas KwetKuteye played for Canada and won championship with San Beda Red Lions and a Mythical Five Awardee
NBTC is the most prestigious high school tournament in the Philippines which provided basketball pathways for high school ballers wanting to be scouted by colleges and universities. Some noticeable alumni include Jalen Green who played for the US team and now plays at Houston Rockets in the NBA, James Canlas and Matthew Daves who both played for Canada and now play and won championship with San Beda Red Lions and Ateneo De Manila respectively.