Ballers Battle to be ‘The One’ This Weekend

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 After nearly 500 Pinoy hoopers turned out to chase greatness at the regional qualifiers, it’s now time to see the best-of-the-best compete to be The One

In the tournament’s third edition this year, Jordan Brand opened the court to more Pinoy ballers than ever to get the chance to be crowned ‘The One’ and represent the country on the global stage. Over three days, 488 ballers from across the Philippines took to the courts in Cebu and Manila, putting their skills, mentality, and competitive edge to the test for a shot at advancing to this weekend's Final Elimination.




Across three qualifying events, athletes left everything on the court. Every possession mattered. Every drill was contested. Every player arrived with something to prove. From fearless one-on-one battles to standout displays of grit and resilience, the qualifiers showcased the next generation of Filipino basketball talent.


Among those who competed was last year’s women’s champion and Filipino representative to the global stage at New York City, Riri Perez of the University of Santo Tomas Junior Growling Tigresses and a Gilas Pilipinas U18 tournament MVP. Refusing to be given a pass and wanting to win back-to-back the hard way, Perez returns to the Final Elimination this weekend, setting her sights on defending her spot as the best of the Philippines and securing another opportunity to win the whole thing in Shanghai.


Adding to the energy in Cebu was Perez’s fellow PH rep JM Tumabang, who returned to his hometown to support the next generation of contenders and share firsthand insight into what it takes to compete on the world's biggest stage.




In addition to Perez and Tumabang, the field of hopefuls also included a 13-year-old who begged for the chance to show coaches what he’s got, twin brothers going head to head, dreamers who started playing barefoot on outdoor, dirt-floor courts, and local competitors who moved from remote provinces — all of them young hoopers chasing lifelong dreams of wearing the Philippine jersey on the international stage.


Ultimately, only 26 combined male and female athletes earned their place in Saturday's Final Elimination. Selected by Jordan coaches for their skill, competitiveness, determination and potential, each arrives with something different to fight for. Each one has their own story. Each one has their own reason — but only two will continue the journey.


Now, all eyes turn to The One Final Elimination on 1 August at Jordan Flight Deck in BGC. The country's top young hoopers will go head-to-head in the purest expression of basketball. Fans can catch the action live on SLAM PH or experience it courtside.




The stakes could not be higher. By day's end, only one male and one female athlete will earn the right to represent the Philippines at The One Global Finals in Shanghai, where the world's best young players will compete for international recognition.


Ahead of Shanghai, the winners will complete an intensive Jordan Brand training and development journey designed to prepare them for the global stage. Sessions will be hosted by the likes of Jordan Athlete Keifer Ravena, S&C Coaches Noel Zorilla and Diego Lozano, True Focus and Jordan Coaches.


EVENT DETAILS

Jordan Brand’s The One - Philippines Final Elimination

Location: Jordan Flight Deck, BGC, Manila

Time: 1:00 – 7:00pm

Registration: 12:00pm

Online Registration: https://www.nike.com/experiences/events/details/79036


LIST OF COMPETITORS FOR NATIONAL QUALIFIERS


Mens (16)

1. Andwelle Cabañero

2. Jett Wilson

3. Adrian Sales

4. Christian Dy

5. Kurt Devron Benitez

6. Sean Bohol

7. Zaca Zamuco

8. Vincent Fuentes

9. Cris Niño Basaya

10. Lairan Zed Marial

11. John Mike Gungob

12. Francis Kyle Gigantana

13. Shawn Faciol

14. Vance Audrey Pepito

15. Shawn Ayuda

16. Kim Clarence Villafuerte

 

Womens (10)

1. Riri Perez

2. Lea Pinvela

3. Jenny Paquipo

4. KJ Guada Badajos

5. Princess Abe

6. Maria Mae Sales

7. Zurie Kaila Cristoria

8. Earl Dianne Curaraton

9. Hannah Irene Butantan

10. Bea Mendoza


LIVESTREAM DETAILS

Stream the games live on the SLAM Philippines Facebook page.


JORDAN TRAINING JOURNEY

8.3 - Strength & Conditioning training with S&C coaches Noel Zorilla & Diego Lozano at Activate Sports Center

8.8 - 1:1 Training with Jordan Athlete Kiefer Ravena

8.15 - Skills Training with True Focus

8.22 - Final Training with Nike Coaches

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