The Philippine Youth Basketball Championship (PYBC) aims to reshape grassroots basketball by combining traditional values with the power of modern analytics. Launching in August 2025, the PYBC is designed to become the premier development platform for young Filipino players.

Spearheading the league are Commissioner Benjie Paras, Deputy Commissioner and WMPBL Champion Coach Paolo Layug, and Tournament Director Carl Villanueva of Momentum PH. The league’s goal is to merge passion and purpose, creating a sustainable and data-driven model for youth basketball progression.

Analytics and tradition drive development goals

Coach Layug stressed the need for simplicity and clarity when applying analytics to the development of young players. With a resume that includes coaching stints in the PBA, UAAP, and NCAA, Layug believes data should empower athletes to better understand their game and track improvement over time.

The PYBC will provide teams with halftime and post-game analysis, individual player reviews, and advanced metrics. This approach aims to give players a clear view of their strengths, areas for improvement, and growth trajectory throughout the season.

Two-conference system set for 2025-2026 season

The PYBC’s inaugural season runs from August 2025 to June 2026 and will feature two conferences under a single round-robin format. Age group categories include 11-under, 13-under, and 15-under, with playoffs culminating in knockout semifinals and a best-of-three championship series.

The league also introduces a pioneering player ranking system for each age group, inspired by models used in the U.S. and Europe. With backing from organizations like Momentum PH and MMBC, the PYBC promises to be a cornerstone of grassroots basketball for years to come.