Sinag Liga Asya to showcase world’s top aspiring cagers

Sports

CEBU City will be buzzing with intense hardcourt action as it is set to host what could be the biggest international youth basketball tournament to hit the country in years.

Slated July 1 to 5, the Sinag Liga Asya (SLA) Junior World Showcase will be played across five venues, showcasing teams from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The tournament will pit homegrown talents against foreign opponents as teams from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and United Arab Emirates have also signed for the five-day competition.

Games will be played in four major venues, including the Cebu Coliseum, Magnum Sports Complex, University of San Carlos Downtown Campus Gym, and Cebu City Sports Institute.

SLA Chairman Rocky Chan said that despite the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, none of the international delegations have withdrawn from the tournament.

“The teams, especially our international delegates, have high expectations for the Cebu leg of our tournaments despite the war crisis nothing has changed or not a single team from our international group has pulled out. They are also excited to have a glimpse of Cebu with their families during their stay,” Chan said.

Chan said basketball enthusiasts are in for a huge treat as all games can be watched for free.

“Expect an exciting weeklong of grassroots basketball and expect a high level of tough competitions by all the teams and all the venues are free for the public to come and watch the world play in all our game venues,” Chan added.

The tournament will feature the 13-under (born 2013), 15-under (born 2011), 17-under (born 2009), 19-under (born 2007), and 23-under (born 2003).(CCM)