QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Nike’s fast-paced and unconventional 5-on-5 basketball tournament for Pinoy youths, #PLAYPINOY, has crowned its first-ever champions today. The finals of the #PLAYPINOY tournament was held at the Doña Imelda Covered Court, Bgy. Doña Imeldain Quezon City.
… it was a tournament like no other since it is based on the Pinoy way of playing basketball!
Manila youth between the ages of15 and18 were invited to join the preliminary round held in courts around Makati, Manila, Pasig, Quezon City, Taguig, Parańaque, San Juan, and Marikina City on August 16 and 17 to play for #PLAYPINOY glory. Eventually, 48 out of 148 teams qualified for the finals of the first-ever Nike #PLAYPINOY tournament.
After a day of playing through the quarter-finals, and semi-finals, Team Amazing Playground emerged and claimed the right to become champions of the court as the first event #PLAYPINOYwinners. Amazing Playground–from Manila,, Paranaque, Alabang, and Antipolo respectively. Comprised of five boys – William Navarro, Francis Giusani, Joaquin Mariano, Sam Heidelburg, Jerome Ejercito, and Franz Abuda.
Nike #PLAYPINOY full list of winners
The full list of winners in the Nike #PLAYPINOY basketball tournament are:
Champion: Amazing Playground
- William Raniel B. Navarro
- Sam Heidelburg
- Francis Gabriel B. Giusani
- Joaquin Mariano
- Marcus Jerome R, Ejercito
- Franz Jonathan R. Abuda
Runner-up: FEU Yellow
- Haspee Lheynar A. Altiche
- David Miguel Completo
- Julius David Jr.
- Aaron Nathaniel Torres
- Pierce Tyron Chan
Most Valuable Player: Sam Heidelburg
A tournament like no other
“Our victory is the result of excellent team chemistry and communication. We are so happy to have won this tournament. We had a lot of fun and played our hearts out as it was a tournament like no other since it is based on the Pinoy way of playing basketball!” said team captain Francis Giusani “This is really a celebration of our unique Pinoy basketball!”
The event was hosted by popular sports media personalities Aaron Atayde and Cheska Litton with DJ Ace Ramos and MC Pao adding color and excitement to the festive event. PBA Legend and San Mig Coffee Mixers Team Manager, Alvin Patrimonio, and De La Salle Green Archer Jeron Teng awarded and celebrated with the participants and winners (Appendix A).
“#PLAYPINOYis a platform for every Filipino, man or woman, young or old, to express their Pinoy identity through basketball, the sport they love passionately. It honors the Pinoy fighting spirit, the sheer determination, passion and ingenuity towards the game. #PLAYPINOY pays respect to the unique style of Pinoy basketball play “said Courtney Cole-Faso, Country Marketing Manager for Nike Philippines. “It is a call to all Pinoys to get out onto the streets, and play their game, their way, the way only Pinoys can.”
Participants and spectators were also the first in the world to view #PLAYPINOY film, a 90-second film created by Nike that pays homage to Pinoy basketball featuring national hero Manny Pacquiao, basketball legend Alvin Patrimonio, and up-and-coming stars Kiefer Ravena and JeronTeng, who represent the essence of Pinoy basketball and what makes all Pinoys proud of their game.