MANILA FINAL LEAGUE OF Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA PRESENTED BY ALASKA

"Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it."– Michael Jordan

Very well said from one of the most famous Basketball Legends of all time. That's exactly what inspires 2 of the boys who tri-out for the Jr.NBA and Jr.WNBA Presented by Alaska for its search for the best basketball players in the country when it holds its last Regional Selection Camp at the Don Bosco Institute, Makati on April 9 and 10, 2016.

A total of 1,114 boys and girls (1,030 boys, 84 girls) went to Don Bosco Technical Institute in Manila to take part in the program where their basketball skills were tested/checked. At the end of the day, 40 boys and 24 girls were chosen to return for Day 2 of the camp where among them the RSC Manila representatives to the National Training Camp will be chosen.

"I have self-doubt. I have insecurity. I have fear of failure. I have nights when I show up at the arena and I'm like, 'My back hurts, my feet hurt, my knees hurt. I don't have it. I just want to chill.' We all have self-doubt. You don't deny it, but you also don't capitulate to it. You embrace it." ~Kobe Bryant

The basketball clinic was held in the morning and in the afternoon where the scrimmages on the second day, were the boys and girls were grouped into teams and were made to play sets of basketball games where they can apply all that they have learned from day 1 and from the basketball clinic in the morning.

I was surprised to see once again Charles Mandel the first time i saw Him was in Baguio just to tri-out made it to the selection but wasn't been able to continue for the finals and yet I was surprised to see him once again here in Manila, I thought at first it was just his look alike because his mustache (hehehe) but when i talked to him, It was really him. My first reaction was "WOW" he is full of determination and will to be chosen, however he did not qualify for the National Training Camp. One of the other boy who catches my attention is Kai Zachary Sotto.

Charles Mandel

Kai Zachary Sotto

"As a parent, I have a job as a role model to my children, and by extension, to other young people." ~Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

What also inspires me during the league is seeing the kid's with their father fully supporting them as if they're transferring their full experience of the game just to make their dreams come true, how precious is that right. I got the chance to witness some scene like that, specially to those kids who made it to the next day.....

"There’s winning and there’s losing, and in life you have to know they both will happen. But what’s never been acceptable to me is quitting." ~Magic Johnson

We all know that one of the secret successes of the Basketball Legends are of course having a supportive and a good powerful advice for their executions from their "Coach". I got the chance to witnessed how one of the coach gives advice to his team, His words are what could boost and lead the players to push thru and succeed on the next round.

"At some point in time I will be honored if I would be mentioned as a coach." ~Karl Malone

While other coaches makes sure that the kids (girls) should treat Basketball with humor sometimes besides "It's just a game" There's time for serious playing and time for having fun.

   At the end of Day 2, those who qualified for the NTC were announced from girls to boys are:

GIRLS: (8)

Dianne Camille Nolasco

Lalaine Gonzales 

Carly Monreal 

Lindsey Nacional 

Magda Lioui Flores 

Ma Cecilia Quilenderino 

Princess Marie Villarin 

Jonalyn Bongalos

"Once you get on the playing field it's not about whether you're liked or not liked. All that matters is to play at a high level and do whatever it takes to help your team win. That's what it's about." ~LeBron James

BOYS: (16)

Mark Glenn Gabon 

Luis Gabriel Aguila 

Anjelo Raphael Argente 

Jhondhel Austria 

Jearico Nunez 

Kai Zachary Sotto 

Andrei Philip Lechoncito 

Mark Nicole Lucban 

Reich Randell Villegas 

Prince Junnell De Belen 

Pauloh Villarin 

Patrick Lance Inting 

Jericho Ross Paglinawan 

Miguel Rey Luis Tan 

Devon Dein Diez 

Russel Ducanes

"I do a little sign on the court every time i make a shot or a good pass and i pound my chest and point to the sky – it symbolizes that i have a heart for God. It’s something that my mom and I came up with in college and i do it every time i step on the floor as a reminder of who i’m playing for." ~Stephen Curry

CONGRATULATIONS in advance whoever will be the lucky Boys and Girls who will win the spot! You all deserve it and Filipino's are surely proud of you!

For general information about Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA Philippines presented by Alaska please visit www.jrnba.asia/philippines, www.alaskamilk.com, and  www.alaskapowercamp.com/basketball.