SBP Brings Basketball Learning Opportunities to Zone Ahead of SEABA Qualifiers

As the City of Bacolod prepares to welcome some of Southeast Asia’s brightest young basketball talents for the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 2026 on June 2–6, 2026, the excitement will extend far beyond the tournament court.

In line with its commitment to grassroots and basketball development, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, Inc. (SBP) and its Zone 7 Regional Office are set to roll out a series of free basketball clinics and educational programs from June 2 to 5, 2026, creating valuable opportunities for coaches, officials, aspiring athletes, and members of the local basketball community to learn directly from some of the country’s most respected basketball figures.

Leading the developmental initiatives is a Free Coaching Clinic featuring veteran mentor and PBA NLEX Road Warriors Head Coach Joseph Enrique “Jong” Uichico, whose extensive experience and championship pedigree have helped shape generations of Filipino basketball players and coaches. Scheduled on June 2–3, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Covered Court, the clinic aims to equip local coaches with modern coaching principles, practical insights, and strategies that can be applied at all levels of competition.

SBP emphasized that developing the game begins with developing the people who teach it, underscoring the importance of investing in coaches as key drivers of athlete growth and long-term basketball success.

Recognizing that basketball excellence is built not only by players and coaches but also by the individuals who ensure the integrity and smooth conduct of every game, SBP will also conduct specialized clinics for table officials, referees, and statisticians. These sessions will run from June 2–4, 2026, at STI West Negros University. The programs aim to provide participants with valuable technical knowledge and updates aligned with international basketball standards.

The developmental activities will culminate in a special experience designed to inspire the next generation of female basketball players. On June 5, 2026, young girls will have the opportunity to learn from and interact with members of the Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women’s Team during a Girls’ Kids Clinic at MICES Gym. The clinic, which will run from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, will be spearheaded by Gilas Pilipinas U18 Women’s Team Head Coach Alexander “Sandy” Arespacochaga and members of the national youth squad, giving participants a rare chance to train alongside athletes who proudly represent the country on the international stage.

Beyond skills development, the clinic aims to encourage more young girls to embrace basketball, build confidence, and dream bigger through sports.

The efforts of SBP Executive Director Erika Dy to bring these developmental initiatives underscores the federation’s commitment to its broader vision. By actively driving these programs, the SBP and its Zone 7 regional office are not just advancing the sport, but ensuring a transformative, lasting legacy that elevates and empowers the communities they serve.

By bringing together coaches, officials, athletes, and aspiring young players in a shared learning environment, the federation hopes to strengthen the foundations of basketball and inspire continued growth throughout the Negros Island Region.

More than a competition, the FIBA U18 Women’s Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers 2026 promises to be a celebration of learning, opportunity, and the future of Philippine basketball — one that empowers not only those competing on the court but also the communities that support and nurture the game.* (SBP Zone 7 Office)