Basketball talent search launched

Nike Rise to hold tryouts nationwide, Cebu leg on July 4 at  Cebu City Sports Institute

Young Cebuano basketball players who are hoping to realize their full potential have the golden opportunity to do so after Nike launched the nationwide search for basketball talent called “Rise” yesterday.

The search will see Nike conduct tryouts in four different cities with Cebu’s turn coming on July 4 at the Cebu City Sports Institute. Tryouts for both boys and girls aged 16 to 21 years old will start at 8 a.m. and will last until 5 p.m.

“Nike recognizes  the  passion  and  love  Filipinos  have  for  basketball. Nike is  bringing  Rise  to  the   Philippines  to  provide a  way  for  young  players –  in  particular  to  those  who  are  not  part of formal  basketball  programs – to raise  their  game and  in  turn,  inspire  others, not  just  in basketball  but in  other  aspects  of  their  lives,” said the company’s statement regarding the program.

Tryouts will also held in Dagupan City on June 27, in Manila on the 28th and on July 5 in Davao City.

Twenty-four players will then be selected and will receive top-class coaching from former national team head coach Chot Reyes and Jimmy Alapag during their six-week stay inside the House of Rise.

The Rise qualifiers will get technical training, undergo strength and conditioning programs, and get special insights from guest coaches and mentors.

From there, only 12 will earn the right to step on the floor and compete in a final game against an all-star team selected by Nike.

During the press conference, Reyes said that he will be looking for players who are willing to be great teammates. “I will personally be making the decision as to determining the 24 participants in the House of Rise. We are going to build a team. We’re going to look for people who will dive to the floor and be great teammates.”

Reyes added that this program serves as a great platform for those young players who do not have one to showcase their talent and skills.

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