Eight promising young Filipino basketball players have been selected to join a week-long training camp in Japan in April 2027 through Pocari Sweat’s Live Your Dream with Pocari Sweat: Basketball Dream Project Season 3.
Leading the group is 13-year-old Zulcarnain Datumanong of Cotabato, who will join seven other young athletes for an opportunity to improve their basketball skills and learn from professional players and coaches.
The other selected players are Charles Nino Garcia, 15, and Jose Victorio Suico, 14, from Cebu; Chazz Anthone Lesiguez, 15, and John Miel Lachica, 15, from Iloilo; Jerruz Clinx Domingo, 14, from Cotabato; and Dexter Jacob Dandoy, 15, and Jhun Lee Ibuos, 14, from Davao.
Young Athletes Selected From Regional Tryouts
The final selection was recently held at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Cebu City, where 32 finalists competed for a place in the international training program.
The eight successful players stood out among the finalists and earned the chance to represent their communities in the upcoming basketball camp in Japan.
During their week-long stay, they will train alongside players and coaches from Japan’s B.League, the country’s professional basketball league. The experience will expose them to advanced training techniques, professional coaching, and the discipline needed to compete at a higher level.
The camp is expected to help the young athletes improve their basketball abilities, develop their confidence, and gain valuable knowledge that they can use in their future sports careers.
Basketball Dream Project Develops Young Filipino Players
Launched in 2024, the Basketball Dream Project aims to support young Filipino basketball players through structured training, expert guidance, and opportunities to develop their potential.
For its third season, the program conducted nine regional tryouts in Cebu, Iloilo, Cotabato, and Davao. These activities attracted 652 aspiring basketball players who hoped to be selected for the training opportunity.
The program provides young athletes with a platform to showcase their talents while learning the importance of hard work, discipline, teamwork, and dedication.
By giving promising players access to international training, the initiative also aims to help them prepare for future opportunities in competitive basketball.
Pocari Sweat Supports the Dreams of Young Athletes
Ken Saito, president and managing director of Otsuka-Solar Philippines Inc., emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting young people through sports and development programs.
According to Saito, Pocari Sweat believes in investing in initiatives that help young athletes grow, achieve their goals, and pursue their dreams without limits.
The program reflects the company’s effort to create opportunities for talented Filipino players to improve their skills and work toward success in basketball.
Sports Officials Attend Final Selection
The final selection event was attended by Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner Willie Marcial, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Zone 8 Director Popoy Navarro, and Cebu City Sports Commission Executive Director Rhoel Dejano.
Their presence highlighted the importance of youth basketball development and the role of sports organizations in supporting the next generation of Filipino athletes.
A Valuable Opportunity for Filipino Basketball Prospects
The upcoming Japan training camp marks an important milestone for the eight selected players. Beyond developing their basketball skills, the experience will allow them to learn from professionals, experience a different basketball environment, and understand the standards expected at a higher level of competition.
For these young Filipino athletes, the opportunity represents a step toward achieving their basketball dreams. Their selection may also inspire other aspiring players across the country to continue training, work hard, and pursue opportunities to showcase their talents.
Through programs like the Basketball Dream Project, young Filipino basketball players can gain access to valuable learning experiences that may help shape their future in sports.
