THE NSAC World Invitational presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will bring together eight teams from the Philippines, Japan, Taiwan and Australia for three days of international basketball competition from Aug. 14 to 16 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Organized by AsiaBasket, the tournament brings four Philippine collegiate programs together with four international teams, creating an opportunity for Filipino student-athletes to test themselves against different basketball programs and styles of play.
Representing the Philippines are the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, San Beda University Red Lions, Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
Joining them are Fighting Eagles Nagoya and Tenri University from Japan, National Formosa University from Taiwan and Elite Stacks AUS from Australia.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio welcomed the staging of the international tournament and the opportunities it creates for Filipino student-athletes.
“The NSAC World Invitational gives our student-athletes an opportunity to compete against international opposition here at home and gain valuable experience that can contribute to their development. The Philippine Sports Commission is pleased to support initiatives that create more meaningful competitive opportunities for Filipino athletes,” Gregorio said.
AsiaBasket Founder and CEO Jai Reyes said the tournament reflects the organization’s goal of creating more opportunities for Philippine basketball to engage with international competition.
“The NSAC World Invitational is a reflection of our vision to elevate Philippine collegiate basketball beyond our borders,” Reyes said.
“We want to provide our student-athletes with the opportunity to compete against quality international programs while showcasing the talent, passion and competitiveness of Philippine basketball on a larger stage.”
Reyes also expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) for their support of the tournament.
“We are truly grateful to the PSC and SBP for believing in this vision and partnering with us for the NSAC World Invitational. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for Filipino student-athletes to compete internationally while continuing to raise the standard of collegiate basketball in the Philippines,” he added.
