6 international teams banner 12th NBTC National Finals

MANILA, Philippines – The 12th season of the Chooks to Go NBTC National Finals promises to be the biggest edition yet.

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 12th NBTC National Finals, teams from the US, Australia, New Zealand and one each from Toronto and Vancouver, Canada, including first-timer Italy, will participate. 

Last year, Fil-Americans Jalen Green — competed for the US 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, dunk contest, 3x3 tourney and Coaches Convention, which is open to NBTC coaches and those from private and public high schools. 

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

The tournament presented by SM is also sponsored by Darlington Exped Socks, Purefoods, Freego Jeans, Huawei, Gatorade, Go for Gold and Epson.