Qatar Tribune Daily English Newspaper
By Ailyn Agonia
Pics by: Habibidak

 

DOHA: Aspiring basketball players from Philippine International School of Qatar (PISQ) and Philippine School Doha (PSD) make up the latest members of the ongoing Pinoy Basketball of Qatar (PIBAQ) Youth Camp.

The programme, which was first started by the organisation in 2006, aims to hone the skills of the young generation of basketball players through provision of proper basic training and lectures on the all-time favourite sport of Pinoys.

For the year's edition of the camp, the two schools sent members of their institutions to take advantage of the extensive training being provided by Pibaq, which has earned the distinction of organising the most important and biggest community basketball leagues in Qatar.

"Youth basketball clinic is part of the commitment of Pibaq to the Filipino community in Doha. The Pibaq Youth Basketball Clinic started in 2006 when PSD was still located in Al Saad. Through this programme, we provide free lectures, extensive training with man-to-man strategy, as well as free basketball jerseys and other souvenirs. We also provide certificate as a proof of completing the camp," said Pat Carido, Pibaq President.

The young cagers are undergoing training under two of Pibaq's important pillars Coach Bryan Tolentino who played for Montana team of the Philippine Basketball League and Coach Francis Mercado, a former Philippine Basketball Association draft for Red Bull Barako team.

The roster of PISQ representatives to the youth clinic includes Ezekiel Reech G Manojo, Nell Ivan Adina, Noah Gabriel Untalan, James Philip Tuzon, Patrick Jerald Tuzon, Jyron Ian Dave Itoralba, Raphael Vincent Louis Caruz, Justin Ramos, Ralph Jerome Vejano, Don Francis Agustin Tabol, Juliano Vincenso Lopez and Rufus Lance Nery.

For PSD, the line-up includes Khalid Rawin Malo, Ivan Royce Flores, Randge Jeric Abastillas, Al-Jasem Reyes, Nimrod Concepcion Gison, Marcus Louie Salamat Vega, Andrei Querido, Karl Cristofer Mitra, Lowell Bannedo, Al-Mardrin Tan Quimba, Emmanuel Pilapil and Steven Rozz.

Meanwhile, Carido said that the excitement for the 3rd Ambassador Cup 2014 is building up. The pressure is on the teams fighting for a slot in the semi-finals for Inter-Province category. And those playing for the 40-Above Division enjoy the opportunity of practising their moves on the hardcourt every Friday.

The event was sponsored by Arabian Gulf Logistics Supplies (AGLS), also brought to you by McDonald's Qatar, Travelex Qatar, Boracay Filipino Restaurants, Power Horse Energy Drink, Alicafe and Diana Jewellery & Watches.