The 2024 NBTC National Finals will see the best and brightest high school basketball stars in the country, which includes Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas.
As the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) returns for another year to showcase young talents, two of the best high-school players, Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas, are ready to make waves once more.
Bahay, hailing from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, was named as the top high-school prospect in the NBTC 24 list for the second consecutive year.
Following closely behind Bahay in the rankings is Alas, a key member of the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers and a notable figure in the UAAP Season 86 juniors' mythical five.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by the NBTC, Bahay acknowledged the significance of being recognized on such a platform.
“Siyempre honored na number one again pero I give thanks to the program of Coach Eric (Altamirano), Coach Alex (Compton), sa buong NBTC na binigyan kami ng opportunity na mga high school, mga 19-under talents na makita hindi lang sa Philippines kundi sa foreign countries,” Bahay told the media.
The reigning CESAFI MVP likewise expressed his eagerness to return to NBTC stage after the 5-foot-9 guard and Ateneo de Cebu fell short against eventual champions National University Nazareth School in last year’s semifinals.
"Siyempre mas motivated kasi Ateneo de Cebu has another chance of redeeming ourselves this year. I think lahat kami motivated me to win this one."
Alas, on the other hand, reflected on the unexpected nature of his journey and the excitement of returning to the NBTC stage.
“It feels good. Playing here last year, it was really unexpected. Now I get to play here again so I’m just gonna take advantage of the opportunity,” said Alas.
[ALSO READ: NBTC an opportunity to find gems for Gilas Pilipinas, says program director Eric Altamirano]
Looking ahead to the NBTC All-Star Game, Kieffer, the son of Ateneo Blue Eagles deputy coach Louie and brother of NLEX Road Warriors guard Kevin, emphasized the importance of making the most of every opportunity presented.
“Honestly, this NBTC All-Star Game, I’m just gonna take advantage of the opportunity because you never get to play against the best of the best again. Wala lang, I’m not gonna think about it too much,” said Alas.
All eyes will be on Bahay and Alas as the 2024 NBTC National Finals unfold from March 18 to 24 at the Mall of Asia Arena.