LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Governor’s Cup Inter-Town Basketball Tournament has officially kicked off last month, bringing together 43 teams from across Pangasinan in a thrilling battle of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Governor Ramon V. Guico III expressed his confidence that the next basketball superstar will emerge from this tournament, citing the province’s rich talent pool and passion for the sport.
“We’re excited to see our young athletes compete and showcase their talents,” Governor Guico said. “This tournament is not just about winning, but about fostering camaraderie, discipline, and a sense of community among our youth,” he added.
Pangasinan is home to notable cagers who made names in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and other national basketball tournaments like Marc Pingris, well-known as “Pinoy Sakuragi” who hails from Pozorrubio town; Marlou Aquino from Sta. Barbara, a PBA legend drafted first overall by Ginebra San Miguel in 1996, a three-time PBA Champion and PBA Defensive Player of the Year; Lordy Tugade from Alaminos City, known for his three-point shooting, played for several teams; Jason Ballesteros from Basista, drafted seventh by Meralco Bolts in 2011; CJ Perez who grew up in Bautista town was a top rockie pick and has played for several PBA teams, among others.
Tugade is the lone homegrown cager who graced the opening of the Inter-Town tournament. During the program, Governor Guico announced that the tournament boasts an impressive prize pool of PhP1.5 million, with the champion team taking home the coveted title and the cash prize. With huge prizes at stake, the competition is expected to be fierce and adrenaline-pumping.
More than just a sporting event, the governor’s Cup Inter-Town Basketball Tournament is a celebration of Pangasinan’s love for basketball and its commitment to nurturing young talent who are set to conquer the national and possibly international arena in the future.
Currently, games per conference are held in different venues across the province. Game schedules are posted on the official Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581686280674 .
(Ruby F. Rayat, Photo By JP De Vera | PIMRO)
