By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts guard Paul Barcelona is set to represent the country in the 15th Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Asia Camp, slated for June 19 to 22 in Singapore.
The Bacolod City-native guard said he is “grateful and honored” to be selected for the event, where they will learn directly from star-studded players and coaches mentoring the camp.
“It feels so great, and it’s an honor for me to be chosen as part of BWB event. It has always been my dream and my father’s dream for me to be part of prestigious tournaments to develop my skills,” Barcelona told Watchmen Daily Journal.
“Even as a young kid from Negros Occidental, me and my father would always look for basketball leagues that I could join anywhere in and out of school, and other training camps too,” he said.
“And now, to represent the Philippines is a significant opportunity for me to learn and get exposed to the best NBA and FIBA skills trainings and development,” he further said.
Aside from Barcelona, other Filipino cagers selected for the camp are Negrense Rob Celiz and Cebuana Zaydhen Rosano in the girls division.
“I look forward to a great upcoming experience to get connected with the best players and coaches around the world. I will surely learn more skills development that will enhance my full potential as a basketball player,” Barcelona said.
Paul’s father, Pete Barcelona, said that he is proud of the latest achievement of his son following his invitation to the Jr. NBA Asia in Japan three years ago.
“As parents, we feel very happy that NBA and FIBA recognize Paul’s talents and skills. To be chosen as one of 30 players in the whole of Asia basketball is a truly an honor. We are here to give our 100 percent support for his love and passion for basketball,” Pete said.
The campers are to be coached by NBA stars Derrick White (Boston Celtics), Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers), Duop Reath (Portland Trail Blazers), WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro, and current NBA assistant coaches Vinay Bhavnani (Toronto Raptors), Jared Dudley (Dallas Mavericks), Ronald Nored (Atlanta Hawks) and Khalid Robinson (Golden State Warriors)./ASC, WDJ