The Philippine Schools Athletic Association (PSAA) Season 3 tipped off at the historic Makati Coliseum in Makati City, bringing together student-athletes from across the country for a high-level basketball competition that promises to showcase the next generation of Filipino hoops talent.
A total of 12 teams competed in the Under 18 division, while 11 teams joined the Under 16 bracket and six teams participated in the Under 14 category, making it one of the most well-attended PSAA seasons to date.
A Platform for Non-Major League Schools
PSAA President and Founder Fernando Arimando emphasized that the leagues mission is to provide exposure to schools that are not typically part of the major collegiate leagues in the Philippines. During the weekly Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) Usapang Sports Forum held at the Philippine Sports Commission Media Room, Arimando explained the leagues unique approach.
Sa PSAA, hindi kami magkakompetensya ng ibang liga at eye opener ito sa ibang coaches kasi naka-live din ito at meron tayong Under 14, Under 16, at Under 18, exposure sa kanila at sa mga schools kasali nito, Arimando said.
Coaches Prepare for the Season Ahead
Teams have been ramping up their preparations, with coaches focusing on systems, teamwork, and chemistry heading into the new season. Ryan Dalosa, coach of De La Salle Dasmariñas University, shared his teams approach to the competition.
For our team, in terms of preparation, we are just starting now because our major leagues just finished. In practice, we will start our system again from last season. We will use this to prepare the players for the collegiate level, Dalosa said.
Other coaches present at the forum included Christopher dela Cruz of DLSU-D, Joshua Tan of San Felipe Neri Catholic School, Ryan de Ramos of San Sebastian College Recolectos, and Arvin Faustino of Chiang Kai Shek College.
More Than Just Basketball
PSAA Season 3 is not limited to basketball. The league is also introducing volleyball and an esports component featuring Game of the Generals, a Pinoy-made digital board game developed in cooperation with the Department of Science and Technology and promoted by the Esports World Federation (ESWF).
Champions of the PSAA basketball tournament will earn the opportunity to participate in a foreign training camp in New Zealand, giving young Filipino athletes invaluable international exposure.
Games can be watched live on the PSAA Facebook and YouTube channels, as well as on Pinoy Extreme Cable.
Follow more community sports updates and local events in Makati City on phshirt.com.