As recruitment for Gilas Pilipinas Youth ramps up, newly appointed head coach LA Tenorio lauded the Milcu Sports Got Skills Basketball U16 Talent Identification Program for playing a crucial role in scouting young Filipino prospects.
The five-day event, organized by Allen Ricardo at the Greenhills West Clubhouse in San Juan, featured 16 teams from different provinces, providing a high-level competition platform for under-16 players to showcase their skills.
![LA Tenorio with Allen Ricardo [PR photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/LA-Tenorio-with-Allen-Ricardo.jpg)
Scouting Future Gilas Stars
“Actually halos everyday akong ando’n. Maraming talents, actually, nakakatuwa and I’m excited,” said Tenorio, who has been closely observing potential recruits.
The 40-year-old tactician revealed that Batang Gilas tryouts will be by invitation only, with selections based on high school performances and events like the Milcu Sports Got Skills U16 Talent ID.
“I know that there’s more talent outside that league. Actually, medyo I have an idea na kung sino ang i-invite kasi ‘yung tryouts ko by invitation, hindi siya open,” he explained. “So I talked to high school coaches sa mga universities and colleges. So nagpa-plano na ako.”
Balancing Ginebra and Gilas Youth Duties
Tenorio aims to finalize the Batang Gilas roster by March, despite juggling his coaching duties with Barangay Ginebra in the PBA. He acknowledged that events like Milcu Sports Got Skills U16 Talent ID are a big help in his recruitment process.
“Malaking bagay itong Milcu to be honest. I’m hoping na mas maraming pang gano’n kasi sa sobrang dami, hindi kayang i-accommodate lahat,” said the former Gilas Men standout.
He even hinted at possibly organizing similar scouting events in the future, collaborating with the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and high school coaches.
“And maybe, we’ll never know, baka ako na mismo mag-organize with the help of the coaching staff and the SBP,” he added. “It’s not for me e, it’s really the future of Philippine basketball.”
Standouts from the U16 Talent ID Program
Several young players caught the attention of Tenorio and scouts, including:
- Rowie Cabañero
- Andwele Cabañero
- Sky Jazul
- Francis Rosales
- LJ Pascual
- Carl Delos Reyes
- Neil Garcia
“To be honest, nagulat ako sa talent sa gano’ng age bracket na under-16 and hindi pa lahat ‘yun,” Tenorio admitted.
With the future of Philippine basketball in focus, Tenorio and the Batang Gilas program continue to scout, ensuring that the best young talents are developed for the international stage.
