BY ABBY TORALBA
EXPECT fireworks when the Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls gets going on March 18 to 24 as 32 teams from the local scene and abroad collide for the title.
Defending three-time titlist National University-Nazareth School, UAAP champion Adamson High School, and NCAA Final Four teams San Sebastian College and Mapua High School banner the competition and will clash for the crown along with 16 regional teams, two NCR representatives, two wildcard entries, and seven global squads.
Completing the cast are the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu led by high school standout Jared Bahay, the NBTC’s top-ranked player for the second straight year.
“We’re excited to once again be back in our original format for the National Finals and this early, we’re bracing for an action-packed week. The future of Philippine basketball is indeed before us,” said NBTC program director Eric Altamirano who joined NBTC Training Director Alex Compton and Smart Head of Sports Jude Turcuato during the event launch two days ago at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Magis Eagles, along with the global teams and regional semifinalists will go through the seeding round before all 32 teams collide in the Super 32 to determine the eventual winners who will move the Division 1 while the losing squads will go to Division 2.
The knockout phase begins the next day with the Supreme 16, followed by the Fantastic Eight on Thursday, and the Fearless Four on Friday.
From there, emerging squads from the semifinals will then advance to the Division 1 and 2 title duels on Sunday.