27 October 2019
CEBU CITY–The country’s grassroots program for basketball got a major boost following the creation of the MVPSF Youth Basketball League – Cebu (MYBL-Cebu).
The tournament is a partnership of the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) and Cebu Youth Basketball League (CYBL), the longest-running developmental basketball league in the Queen City of the South.
“It was a no brainer for MVPSF to partner with CYBL. We are very excited with the inking of the partnership. We see greater things ahead for the MVPSF, CYBL and for the country,” said Atty. Oscar “Jang” Moreno Jr., MVPSF Community and Youth Director.
Moreno pointed out that the partnership will play a big role in the country’s bid to develop players who will represent the country in international tournaments or in the formation of Gilas Pilipinas.
“The endgoal is to identify the top 10 players in every age group. The good thing about this league is that we can monitor the players. We have this statistical coverage where we can check the points, the assists or even the turnovers of the players,” added Moreno.
Butch Antonio, Director for Operations of the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas, agreed that the MYBL-Cebu will bring the country’s basketball to greater heights.
“Grassroots is very crucial. Elite athletes didn’t become elite right way. Without the exposure, no proper traning, they won’t be much,” said Antonio.
“If the young athletes are not taught well, it will be hard to develop them. We are planting the right seeds to ensure that talent is discovered and developed and that the growth of the sport will continue,” Antonio added.
The tournament opened Sunday, October 27, with at least 109 teams at the Magis Eagles Arena inside the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu campus in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.
The teams were divided into four age groups namely U18, U15, U12, and U10, which will exclusively play 3×3.
Each of these will then be divided into two division: Division 1 for the competitive teams and Division 2 for the developmental sides. Each of these teams, whether school teams, ball clubs, or LGU-based squads will battle it out every weekend from October to March 2020.
“While National Sports Association are in charge of elite athletes, identified youth prospects, and do have grassroots programs, we realize that there are high-potential talents that can be found in schools and communities. That is why we are partnering with LGUs,” said MVPSF Executive Director Ryan C. Gregorio, who graced the opening.
MVPSF President Alfredo S. Panlilio expressed his excitement for the ongoing MVPSF Youth League program as he see this as aligned to the foundation’s vision.
“I believe that grassroots development is integral to creating sustainable sports programs as MVPSF moves towards its ultimate goal of claiming the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines. Through the MVP Youth League Program under CSYD, we hope to, not only invigorate the spirit of sport in the present, but also hone and identify talent for the future,” said Panlilio.
Moreno Jr. specifically identified Cebu as the first target in the Visayas as it is a hotbed for brilliance after seeing the likes of Junemar Fajardo, RR Pogoy, and Councilor Dondon Hontiveros carry the colors of our country in international competitions.
Pogoy was also in the opening ceremony.
“We’ve seen a lot of positive things in MYBL-CDO. Aside from the people’s passion for the sport of basketball, what really struck me is their greater passion to help the youth. I expect Cebu to match, if not exceed, this passion and ultimately promote positive youth development. I think this is what will truly sustain our grassroots program,” said Moreno.
Venues of games will include the Sacred Heart School Mango Avenue campus gym and other host venues such as the Talisay Sports Complex, SMS-Boystown, Aznar Coliseum, USPF and USC South.
MYBL-Cebu is a shared effort presented by Smart, sponsored by Cebu Landmasters and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, and supported by MVPSF and SBP.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @burnsports
