By Robert Andaya
THE National Youth Basketball League (NYBL) Pan De Tekwat Cup powered by the Burger Club Basketball League hopes to give young basketball players a chance to showcase their talents and take a step toward their dreams of becoming accomplished collegiate and professional players.
NYBL organizers are hoping the tournament will open more doors for aspiring cagers, particularly those from the provinces who have limited access to opportunities and exposure.
The competition is being held at MMG Stellar Ususan Taguig, near Vista Mall, with the league aiming to connect promising players with scouts and schools that could offer scholarships and financial assistance.
“May mga kids na gusto maging NBA o PBA player, so ito ang strike niya sa NYBL. Kasi yan ang mag-help tayo ng mga kids na gusto, lalo ngayon mga nasa province,” said NYBL commissioner Sholvy Quijano, underscoring the league’s commitment to helping young players pursue their ambitions despite financial difficulties.
Quijano stressed that a player’s potential should not be limited by where he comes from or his family’s financial situation.
Through the tournament, young cagers can sharpen their skills, gain valuable experience and put themselves in a position to earn opportunities in both basketball and education.
The Pasig-Pateros leg will also serve as a qualifying stage for the national competition, where the winners will face other successful teams from across the National Capital Region.
Aside from local competition, the league also hopes to provide promising players with opportunities to experience international basketball and test their skills against teams from other countries.
Former PBA Chairman and Board of Governor and MPBL Pasig team owner Buddy Encarnado and PBA legend Marlou Aquino graced the opening ceremony as guest speakers, lending their support to the league’s efforts to discover and develop the next generation of basketball talents.
For Quijano and the NYBL organizers, the mission goes beyond winning championships. They want to help young players gain recognition, pursue their education and move closer to their dreams of making it big in basketball.
Pan De Tekwat is owned by Kim Erwin Austero, with Adrian “Andy” Bumanglag serving as chief operating officer (COO).
