The annual staging of the PSSBC Battle of Champions for high school division is one reason why the country has a factory of PBA prospects.
No less Rain or Shine co-owner Raymond Yu and PBA Deputy Commissioner Rickie Santos have cited the role the league, which has respected Fil-Chinese businessmen at the helm, had played in inspiring high school cagers.
Dubbed as the Dickies Underwear Cup, the event gathered the best high teams in the National Capital Region, including Ateneo, multi-titled Chiang Kai Shek College and former UAAP champion National University.
“The tournament organized by PSSBC is one reason why we have an oversupply of talented players. The tournament is one big challenge for our young high school players and I congratulate the members of the Board of Governors for this noble project,” said Yu, who co-owns the Rain or Shine team in the PBA with one of the league governors in Terry Que.
The amiable Que is vice chair of the league with Rudy Yu of Dickies Underwear as chairman.
“We congratulate the PSSBC as its stages the Battle of Champions,” said Santos. “The PSSBC’s efforts to discover young talents and hone their skills as they chart their journey are truly admirable and worthy of everyone’s support.”
Also supporting the event are Hapee Toothpaste’s Dr. Cecilio Pedro, Blackwater’s Dioceldo Sy, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum’s Jimmy dela Cruz, Ironcon Builders’ Jimi Lim, MEC Networks’ Leoncio Chua and Freego’s Eduard Tio.
Santos, a former sportswriter, echoed Yu’s observation.
For the first time in six years, PSSBC, through the effort of veteran event organizer Edster Sy, has invited Cebu’s University of Visayas to take part in the event which starts on Dec.16.
Other teams taking part are former NCAA champion Mapua, University of Santo Tomas, inaugural champion Hope Christian High School, Letran, Manila Patriotic School, San Beda, and La Salle Greenhills.