NGBL, led by LA Tenorio, to feature top high school teams in the country

As he was before he became a star in the professional and national ranks, LA Tenorio is set to give a platform for young aspirants with the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL), which will feature the top high school teams in the country starting August 11. 

The league will gather 15 powerhouse high school clubs in the tournament which has a cash prize of P300,000.

Tenorio is NGBL's tournament director, while other executives include NGBL Commissioner and PBA legend Ronnie Magsanoc, Executive Committee Chairman and San Miguel Sports Director Alfrancis Chua, Program Director Bonnie Tan of NorthPort, and Operations Manager & PBA Chief Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

“We promise everyone the exposure kasi napakalaking bagay ng exposure sa high school players. Ako, galing ako sa high school program ng San Beda. Napakalaking bagay ng homegrown na galing high school,” said Tenorio, who started his basketball journey with the San Beda Red Cubs under the late coach Ato Badolato. 

Tenorio then went on representing Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP before making a big name in the PBA, capturing a total of eight championships while also winning four Finals MVP plums. 

He also said that the NGBL will provide an avenue for homegrown talents to hone and flaunt their skills before becoming the future stars of the country. 

“Ngayon kasi, nawawalan na ng opportunities 'yung mga homegrown high school players. Why? Because of the lack of exposure. Kulang na kulang. Pero I truly believe na marami tayong talent dito sa Pilipinas,” the former Gilas stalwart added.

UAAP teams Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, National University, and the University of the East will join the tournament. 

NCAA squads will also compete with the likes of Colegio de Sa Juan de Letran, San Beda University, La Salle Green Hills, Mapua University, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Arellano University, Jose Rizal University, and Lyceum of the Philippines University. 

Xavier School and MGC New Life Christian Academy complete the cast. 

Groups will be divided into two groups where teams will figure in a single round-robin elimination. The top four teams will advance to the crossover quarterfinals, to be followed by the semifinals and finals. All playoff games will be knockout matches. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News