Philippine basketball icon LA Tenorio believes the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) will help today's high school players become the country's future superstars. Before becoming the PBA’s 'Iron Man,' an eight-time champion, a four-time Finals MVP, and a Gilas Pilipinas standout, Tenorio honed his skills with the San Beda Red Cubs under legendary coach Ato Badolato. As the NGBL’s Tournament Director, Tenorio wants current high school stars to have a platform to showcase their skills beyond the existing junior leagues. “We promise exposure for high school players. I came from San Beda’s high school program, and it was crucial for my development. Nowadays, most collegiate stars come from abroad,” said Tenorio. Tenorio won a championship with San Beda and became a top talent with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. His path to success is what the NGBL aims to offer the best under-19 stars today. “Many homegrown high school players lack opportunities due to insufficient exposure. I believe there is plenty of talent here in the Philippines,” he emphasized. Tenorio, along with NGBL Commissioner Ronnie Magsanoc, Executive Committee Chairman Alfrancis Chua, Program Director Bonnie Tan, and Operations Manager Fidel Mangonon III, will oversee the league featuring 15 top schools. Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, National University, and the University of the East will represent the UAAP side. Colegio de San Juan de Letran, San Beda University, La Salle Greenhills, Mapua University, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, Arellano University, Jose Rizal University, and Lyceum of the Philippines University will represent the NCAA side. The league is supported by sponsors including Uratex, Verleo, Tanduay, World Balance, Gatorade, Team Rebel Sports Pilipinas, and RICA UPVC Aluminium Glass and Trading Corp. Xavier School and MGC New Life Christian Academy are also participating in the league, which opens on August 11 at the Tanduay Gym in Manila. All Sunday and holiday games will be held at the Tanduay Gym, while Saturday games will be at the Aero Center in Quezon City. The inaugural NGBL features a Php 300,000 cash prize for the champion. Teams will be divided into two groups for a single round-robin elimination. The top 4 teams per group will advance to the crossover knockout quarterfinals. The semifinals and finals will also be knockout games.

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