THE Davao Jones Academy (DJA)-bannered Davao City boys basketball team is ready to battle for honors in the Batang Pinoy 2018 National Championships slated on September 15 to 21 in Baguio City.
The 12-member Davao City will compete in the Under-17 boys basketball tournament in the seven-day sportsfest presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
DJA sports director and head coach Rael Diaz said the team prepared for the event as they continued training since the Mindanao qualifier held in March in Oroquieta City.
"We are always prepared at all times. The only thing that we have to prepare though is the low temperature in Baguio. We are not totally prepared for it and I think that is one of the biggest factors that can affect most of the team," Diaz said.
He, however, assured that their squad will be a force to reckon with.
"Most of the competitive players born in 2002 players are in my team. Basically the edge of our team is experience since majority of them have played in several championships which includes the national level like the SBP 3X3 in Manila," the head coach said, pertaining to Askiah John Echavia, Nico Cabalhin, Clarck Xavier Abracia, Steven Lee Bryle Cordova, Aaron Jules Senabuen, Kenjie Villafuerte, Mark Jeron Cabeza, Eldrid Ireneo De Jesus III, Edsel Dwight Sarmiento, Ken Jigger Ceño, Mark Nathaniel Estrellante and Japet Galupo.
With much versatility, flexibility and maturity in the team, Diaz promised to give it a good fight.
"All I can say is it's everybody's ball game. We can assure all Dabawenyos that our boys are competitive based on the performance they've shown during the Batang Pinoy Mindano leg," said Diaz who will be assisted by Jimmy Colicot.
The team will fly to Baguio City on September 11.
