UCLAA’s big step

The United Central Luzon Athletic Association or UCLAA begins its next season on Sept. 13 at the Pampanga State University Gym, with 10 colleges and universities ready to prove why Central Luzon is one of the prime hotbeds of basketball in the country. It is a testament to cooperation and a shared vision between the organizers, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, local government units and sponsors.

“We really want to showcase the talent of the youth in the area,” explains UCLAA founder, chairman and SBP Region 3 Regional Director Gil Cortez. “It’s a platform to discover the next generation of basketball players who could make a difference in the sport.”

Guest players from the NLEX Road Warriors like Asi Taulava, Dominick Fajardo, Michael Miranda and Jonnel Policarpio will make the trip to Bacolor. Former Gilas Pilipinas veterans such as  Bataan Councilor Gary David, Jayson Castro and Japeth Aguilar will also lend their support. Kapampangan or not, they all recognize the importance of this event, which elevates basketball in that part of the country.

“UCLAA is a place for student-athletes to sharpen their skills and learn from one another and players they idolize,” added Cortez, who was a national team member and the PBA’s first Rookie of the Year. “Not just in basketball, but other sports avenues, as well.”

Central Luzon has contributed mightily to the history of Philippine basketball. Ato Agustin, Arwind Santos, Castro, Aguilar, Calvin Abueva, Jamie Malonzo, Ian Sangalang, Stephen Holt and Justine Baltazar and coach Aric del Rosario are just a few of those who have brought pride to the region. The Pampanga Dragons were also the first national champions of the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association.

The UCLAA is still growing, and has refined organized basketball at this level. It has created an inclusive, professional atmosphere of equality which makes a great template for other organizations. Soon, we will also feel its impact in other sports, as well.

What the UCLAA is building is a sustainable system of development and growth. Cortez and company have unified their community of local government officials, schools, sponsors and other stakeholders to bring the sport forward. No politics, no enmity, no other distractions. Just a pure love for the game.