Gilas Pilipinas Youth U16, led by first-time head coach LA Tenorio, will battle Southeast Asia’s best from May 24 to 30 in Pampanga for a spot in the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup.
The future of Philippine basketball is set to take the floor as the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) officially named the Final 12 players for the Gilas Pilipinas Youth U16 team competing in the 2025 SEABA U16 Qualifiers, happening from May 24 to 30 at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.
This regional tournament serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup, with six Southeast Asian nations vying for a single spot: the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Final 12:
- Andwele Cabanero
- Carl Delos Reyes
- Chris Miranda
- Ethan Tan-Chi
- Everaigne Cruz
- Jeremiah Antolin
- Jhello Lumague
- Jhustin Hallare
- John Restificar
- Jolo Pascual
- Prince Cariño
- Travis Pascual
Leading the young squad is LA Tenorio, who takes on his first international head coaching role, bringing with him years of championship experience as a player and leader from Barangay Ginebra.
Game Schedule & Airing:
Date | Opponent | Time | Airing |
May 24 (Sat) | Vietnam | 7:30 PM | LIVE on One Sports, One Sports+, Pilipinas Live |
May 25 (Sun) | Thailand | 7:00 PM | LIVE on One Sports, Pilipinas Live |
May 26 (Mon) | Singapore | 7:00 PM | LIVE on One Sports, Pilipinas Live |
May 28 (Wed) | Malaysia | 7:00 PM | LIVE on One Sports, Pilipinas Live |
May 29 (Thu) | Indonesia | 7:00 PM | LIVE on One Sports, Pilipinas Live |
(All PHI matches will be held at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center and will serve as the final game of each day’s triple-header.)
May 30 will be battle for placing.
What’s at stake?
Only the top team from the SEABA Qualifiers will earn a ticket to the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup, making every game a must-win for Gilas Youth.
With the tournament serving as a stepping stone to future FIBA World Cup cycles, the opportunity is massive not just for the program but for the players’ long-term development.
As Tenorio takes the reins for the first time in a coaching role on the international stage, all eyes will be on how the PBA veteran can translate his on-court brilliance into sideline strategy.
With homecourt advantage, promising talent, and Tenorio’s mentorship, Gilas Youth is poised to make a strong case for Southeast Asian supremacy and earn their rightful place on the continental stage.