NBA Rising Stars Philippines Qualifiers
NBA Rising Stars Philippines Qualifiers: Sochan Inspires Future Basketball Heroes
Jeremy Sochan Headlines the Philippines Qualifiers
The NBA Rising Stars Invitational Philippines Qualifiers, presented by Gatorade, is set to ignite the courts from May 7-10. This thrilling high-school basketball tournament, the first of its kind in the region, features some of the best youth talent from across the Philippines battling for a chance to compete on the international stage. The tournament will culminate with the boys’ and girls’ finals held at the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Adding a special highlight to the event is Jeremy Sochan, forward for the San Antonio Spurs. The former Rising Star and All-Rookie Team member brings his experience and charisma to the Philippines for the first time, aiming to inspire young athletes and connect with the country’s basketball-loving community.
“Traveling the world as an NBA ambassador is an incredible privilege,” said Sochan. “I can’t wait to visit the Philippines, engage with fans, and watch some of the top talent in action. Filipino basketball passion is something I’ve heard so much about—it’ll be amazing to see it firsthand!”
A Platform for Rising Talent
The Philippines Qualifiers will see seven high-school teams—four boys’ and three girls’—fighting for two coveted spots to represent the country in the NBA Rising Stars Invitational in Singapore, scheduled for June 25-29. The international event will bring together top youth teams from 10 countries and territories across Asia-Pacific in a multi-day basketball and entertainment festival.
Competing teams include:
- Boys’ Division: Ateneo de Davao University, Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, University of Sto. Tomas.
- Girls’ Division: La Salle College of Antipolo, Nazareth School of National University, St. Paul College Pasig.
Pool games will take place at the Gatorade Hoops Center in Mandaluyong City from May 7-9. The top two teams from each division will advance to the finals on May 10, where champions will earn their ticket to Singapore.
Giving Back Through Basketball
More than just a tournament, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational reflects a commitment to fostering the next generation of basketball players. The event will also feature an NBA Cares clinic for 40 boys and girls from Childhope Philippines, a nonprofit focused on helping street children. It’s a meaningful way to give back and highlight the importance of sports as a tool for empowerment and growth.
The event doesn’t stop there. Fans attending the final games at Smart Araneta Coliseum can also enjoy a live performance by Filipino singer and producer FELIP, making it a celebration of both sports and culture.
Partners Driving the Passion
Presented by Gatorade, the tournament aligns with the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting athletes at every level. “Presenting the Philippines Qualifiers is our way of encouraging Filipino youth to stay active and competitive through basketball,” said Gatorade Marketing Manager Raf Baradas.
Energen Champion and vivo join as official partners, while Cignal, the event’s broadcaster, will air the finals live on NBA TV Philippines and Pilipinas Live. These partnerships ensure the event reaches fans nationwide, spreading the excitement of grassroots basketball.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
The stakes are high for the young athletes competing in the Philippines Qualifiers. Winning teams will not only represent their schools but also compete against the region’s best in Singapore, exposing them to world-class basketball experiences. The tournament serves as a stepping stone for future stars, giving them a platform to hone their skills and showcase their talent on a regional stage.
Sochan’s Inspiring Journey
Jeremy Sochan’s presence adds another layer of inspiration to the event. Selected 9th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sochan has made a name for himself with the San Antonio Spurs. From being named to the 2022-23 NBA All-Rookie Second Team to making appearances as a Rising Star at NBA All-Star events in 2023 and 2024, Sochan’s career reflects the possibilities that hard work and dedication can bring.
Fan Engagement and Promotions
Fans don’t just get to watch—they get to engage. Gatorade’s “Win the Gear” promotion, running until May 27, offers fans the chance to win official NBA merchandise or the grand prize—two roundtrip tickets to Los Angeles for the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.
For updates on the qualifiers, visit NBA.com, download the NBA App, and follow the NBA on Facebook, TikTok, and X. Gatorade Philippines is also active on social media, providing behind-the-scenes content and product updates.
The 2024-25 season is airing live in the Philippines on One Sports, RPTV, NBA TV Philippines, streaming platforms Pilipinas Live and Setanta Sports, and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App. Fans in the Philippines can shop for official NBA merchandise at the NBA Stores at SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia and at NBAStore.com.ph.
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