Baby Tams, Junior Tigresses fly PH flag in Singapore

SINGAPORE—The Philippines will have able representations in the second playing of the NBA Rising Star Invitationals, with the high school champions in UAAP Season 88—boys champ Far Eastern University-Diliman and girls winner University of Santo Tomas in the girls.

Aside from the chance to fly the flag in the tournament, Baby Tamaraws coach Allan Albano knows that playing in an international event will be beneficial for FEU-Diliman in the long run, as the event officially kicked off Tuesday at OCBC Arena here.

“We have an expectation to gain a lot from this tournament (because) we’ll be playing international schools,” the seasoned coach said as he displayed the mettle of his squad built around Gilas Pilipinas Youth members JB Cagurungan and Prince Cariño.

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Both swingmen are coming off a gold-medal finish in the Fiba U18 Asia Cup Seaba Qualifiers last week.

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Despite the quick turnaround from what was a tough tournament a few days back, Cariño isn’t feeling any fatigue before the NBA RSI games, especially since he’ll be playing for both his school and the country again.

“My fatigue level is fine. I just maximize my rest and do time management,” Cariño said. “I just do proper recovery and sleep.”

The Junior Growling Tigresses have their excitement level at an all-time high.

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“I’ve never seen them this excited before. We’re extremely happy and we’re thankful to the NBA for inviting us,” UST-SHS coach Arsenio Dysangco said. “This is a very big event for us.

“We’re all excited in this program because we have a chance to play against top basketball girls’ programs here in Asia.”

Other than the honor of representing the Philippines, both squads will also be in the presence of NBA notables and veterans.

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Los Angeles Laker forward Rui Hachimura is expected to join the festivities alongside Jeremy Lin, the ex-New York Knicks, who was possibly the biggest Asian star in the NBA during his time.

Also making an appearance is former league sniper Mitch Richmond and WNBA legend and champion Lauren Jackson. INQ

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