The road to the SM Mall of Asia Arena begins in the highlands this week as the University of Baguio plays host to the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) North Luzon Regional Championship from Jan. 31 to Feb. 3.
The four-day tournament features 24 of the region’s most promising high school squads, all vying for a spot in the NBTC National Finals scheduled for late March.
Action tips off Saturday across four separate venues: the UB Gym, PFVR Gym, Baguio-Benguet Community Credit Cooperative Inc., and the Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) in nearby La Trinidad.
Starting Feb. 1, the competition will consolidate, with all remaining games held at the UB Gym.
Host UB Red Robins headline Group A, where they are joined by Glory Dei Montessori College and Yes Mariveles.
Last year’s regional runner-up, Luid Kapampangan, returns with a chip on its shoulder in Group E. They are set to face San Juan Elyu Batang Paower and Ardy’s Miners of Quirino.
Berkeley School Baguio meanwhile will see action in Group B with Batang Natividad of Nueva Ecija and University of Cagayan Valley in Tugegarao City with La Trinidad’s CCDC banners Group C against Marlins of Bulacan and 1VBO X Dodee & Acel of Nueva Vizcaya.
Saint Louis University Cubs is in Group C together with Lyceum of Subic Bay Sharks of Olongapo and Our Lady of the Pillar College from Cauayan, Isabela while in Group F, Lakay Buffalos of Pangasinan will take on Nueva Ecija D’ Generals and Aljay of Santiago City, Isabela.
Group G action will see PHILCST Calasio taking on PPG Tarlac and La Farm Elite of Zambales while Group H will feature Gallantel Sta. Cruz of Ilocos Sur, Quezon of Nueva Ecija and Apong – One Amulung from Cagayan.
Established by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), the NBTC serves as the country’s premier grassroots program for identifying young talent. Winners from this regional leg will advance to the Season 16 National Finals from March 23–29, where they will face elite local programs and international guest teams.
The North Luzon champion will look to follow in the footsteps of 2025 kingpins FilAm Nation Select-USA, who recently secured their second consecutive national title. Roderick Osis