16 teams to join Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent ID program

Sixteen teams from all over the Philippines will participate in the inaugural 5x5 Boys U16 Talent Identification Program by Milcu Sports and Got Skills Basketball which will be held from February 3 to 7 in San Juan.

Endorsed by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, the program hopes to provide aspirants a platform to show their talents and skills, and for scouts to identify future basketball stars.

The 16 teams from Metro Manila, Leyte, Bukidnon, Cavite, Bulacan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Laguna, Ilocos, Cebu, and Bacolod will be divided into four groups and the top team from each pool will advance to the quarterfinals. The second and third seeds will compete in a qualification for the quarterfinals, while the fourth-ranked teams will be booted out of contention.

From there, the winners of each quarterfinal pairing will advance to the semis, before the semis winners move on to the finals.

"For over a decade, Milcu Sports and Got Skills Basketball have remained committed to giving back to Philippine basketball. This free tournament serves as a vital platform for deserving young players to gain exposure, enhancing their chances of being discovered and advancing their basketball careers," tournament and clinic director coach Allen Ricardo said.

"Notably, more than 12 players standing 6’5” or taller will take the court—offering an exciting glimpse into the future of Philippine basketball as we continue to prepare for international competition, where both height and skill are crucial factors," he added.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News