LINGAYEN – The biggest basketball league in the province yet – the 1^st Governor’s Cup Inter-Town Basketball Tournament 2016 – will pit local teams starting December 17.

This was announced during the Gov. Amado Espino III’s organizational meeting with coaches and some players last December 1 at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center, Capitol Compound here.

“We are mounting this tournament to teach among young cagers fair play, honor and most especially – respect as they represent their hometowns and cities,” the governor said.  “We want to see players who are competitive yet are of good character,” he intoned.

The tournament will require each town/city participating teams to recruit 14 cagers ages 18-24 years old.

From the competing squads, the best players will be picked from Pangasinan Teams 1 and 2, that will represent the province in the Philippine National Games and other invitational matches.

Espino said the tournament will open doors for the players to play in collegiate and professional basketball league.

To further bank on the athletic potential of Pangasinenses, the governor said the province will finally establish a sports academy in January next year.

“This is in line with our ultimate dream of producing the first Olympic gold medalist for the country,” he said.

A basketball-volleyball tourney among employees of local government unit is also currently in the works.

Pangasinan Sports Consultant Modesto Operaña said 34 towns and cities in the province have committed to participate in the maiden edition of the provincial league.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Regional Director Edilberto Abalos discussed the guidelines of the games during the meeting, as well as announcing a separate training for the coaches. (PIO)

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