SM, through its entertainment arm, SM Lifestyle Entertainment Inc. (SMLEI), inked a partnership to fully support the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) as it develops its grassroots program to build athletes who may potentially excel as the Philippines’s representatives in the global arena.
 
Going beyond monetary sponsorship, SMLEI will be building the awareness and means of stability of the NBTC to lay the foundation of the brand for the long run. “SM is very proud to support the NBTC,” SMlEI President Edgar Tejerero said. “SM believes in creating opportunities for the Filipino to realize his or her full potential through actively involving our company in sports development”.
 
Ihe NBTC Developmental league, headed byCoach Eric Altamirano, is a nationwide grassroots program that aims to identify, prepare, and develop outstanding players found in public and private schools nationwide. 
 
“It is a great honor for the NBTCto partner with a name as highly esteemed as that of SM. The NBTCis fully invested in its vision of developing skills, building character and raising leaders in young basketball players and coaches nationwide;’ Alex Compton, NBTC National Training director, said.
 
The league will create learning environment opportunities for players to enhance their individual and team skills through enabled coaches, outstanding examples of graduated players and challenging competitions that promote the values of leadership, commitment to excellence and discipline. Alumni ofthe NBTC are Kiefer Ravena,Terrence Romeo, Jeric Teng, Kevin Alas, Troy Rosario and Scotty Thompson.
 
The NBTC kicked off its local city tournaments early this month. For more information on the NBTC,follow and like their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SM-NBTC-League-1390620011237488/.