Philippine team to Jr. NBA Global camp formed

MANILA, Philippines — Five boys and five girls were selected during the Jr. NBA Philippines 2019 presented by Alaska National Training Camp to comprise the newest batch of Jr. NBA All-Stars who will represent the country at the first Jr. NBA Global Championship Asia Pacific Selection Camp in Jakarta, Indonesia in June.

The five girls are Dianne Camille Nolasco of Miriam College, Karylle Sierba of Manuel S. Enverga U Foundation, Mikylla Taborada of Corpus Christi School Cagayan de Oro, Justine Mhyrra Vibangco of Saint Joseph Parish School and Princess BJ Marie Villarin of De La Salle Zobel while the boys are Henjz Gabriel Demisana of Bacolod Tay Tung, Zhan Paolo Moreno of Xavier Cagayan de Oro, Sebastian Roy Reyes of Nazareth School of National U, Lionel Metthew Rubico of La Salle Lipa and Joshua Minguillo.

Awardees include Orlando Estrelles and Precious Jimenez as best coaches, and Reyes and Nolasco as MVPs.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Collin Sexton and WNBA champion Ticha Penicheiro joined Jr. NBA coaches Carlos Barroca and Natalia Andre and Alaska coaches Jeffrey Cariaso and Tony dela Cruz to help coach the 80 participants at the Gatorade Hoops Center and Don Bosco Technical Institute on May 18 and in the boys and girls exhibition game at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall on May 19.  The final day of the Jr. NBA National Training Camp hosted an exhibition game for former Jr. NBA All-Stars and was attended by notable alumni including collegiate players Thirdy Ravena and Janjan Jaboneta.