THE LOCAL grassroots basketball scene got a shot in the arm as the SM Group and the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) recently inked a partnership geared toward growing the sport in the country in a far-ranging scale.

(L to R) Hans Sy, Sr., president of SM Prime Holdings, Inc; Eric Altamirano, program director of the NBTC; and Edgar Tejerero, SMLEI president, during the partnership signing between the SM Group and NBTC.

 
SM, through its entertainment arm, SM Lifestyle Entertainment, Inc. (SMLEI), agreed to fully support the NBTC’s thrust of developing its grassroots program to build athletes that may potentially excel as future Philippine representatives in various competitions abroad.

The partnership calls for the two groups to work together in building awareness and means to sustain the NBTC’s various programs for the long run.

The NBTC, headed by National University coach Eric Altamirano, is designed to identify, prepare, and develop outstanding players found in public and private schools nationwide.

It is under the Basketball Association of the Philippine-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP), the country’s basketball federation.

Having SM now as a partner in their programs is a big help to them, the NBTC said.

“It is a great honor for the NBTC to partner with a name as highly esteemed as that of SM. The NBTC is fully invested in its vision of developing skills, building character, and raising leaders in young basketball players and coaches nationwide,” said Alex Compton, NBTC national training director and coach of the Alaska Aces in the Philippine Basketball Association.

“SM has been like-minded in its development throughout the Philippines. We foresee a long partnership in trying to bring the best out of the next generation of basketball leaders,” he added.

On the part SMLEI, partnering with the NBTC is but natural as it is line with its commitment in sports development in the country.

“SM is very proud to support the NBTC. We believe in creating opportunities for the Filipino to realize his or her full potential through actively involving our company in sports development,” said Edgar Tejerero, SMLEI president.

Some of the notable alumni of the NBTC are now professional players Terrence Romeo, Jeric Teng, Kevin Alas, Troy Rosario and Earl Scottie Thompson.

The NBTC begins its local city tournaments this weekend. For more information on it, follow it through its Facebook page.