Fil-Am Nation Select-USA Defeats Adamson HS in the 2024 NBTC Finals
Filipino teenage sensation Andy Gemao showed why he is the future of Philippine basketball by towing Fil-Am Nation Select-USA to the crown of the 2024 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Supermalls. The Fil-Ams dispatched UAAP king Adamson High School, 79-71, on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Gemao showed his consistency all-tournament long with an all-around performance of 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists. He got ample support led by Terrence Hill, who contributed 12 points, five assists, and four boards. Hill came up big when needed, scoring all but five points in the Fil-Americans’ 11-3 surge to end the game.
The victory ended the global teams’ eight-year quest for a championship. The Philippine national under-19 basketball championship began welcoming international squads back in 2016, and it was only today that a global team secured either a Division 1 or 2 crown. After the game, Fil-Am Select’s head coach, Chris Gavina, revealed that team captain Hill is set to commit to the Utah State Aggies, an NCAA Division I school. “Utah State’s getting a great player next year.”
“They’re in March Madness this year, and I can’t wait to see what he’s gonna accomplish for that program,” said the former PBA coach, confirming Hill’s collegiate destination.
Utah State continues its historic run in the NCAA tournament, securing its first tournament victory since 2001 and gearing up to face top-seeded Purdue in the second round. Adding Hill next season will boost their team. Throughout the Smart NBTC National Finals, Hill showcased his talent, averaging an impressive 17.7 points per game and ultimately earning the coveted Most Outstanding Player award.
“Terrence, the whole tournament, was our anchor. It seemed like he was the most mature, the most composed when we needed it,” added Gavina, who was impressed by Hill’s leadership and consistency.
“I told him from the very first day, you’re gonna lead this team. I named him captain right away because I already knew what I needed to see,” Gavina concluded.
Canada’s Top Flight Sports emerged victorious earlier by reigning in Division 2 before Hill led Fil-Am Nation late in the Division 1 final, securing twin victories for international squads. The 6-foot-2 guard Hill averaged 17.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, which earned him the title of Ato Badolato Division 1 Most Outstanding Player.
Joining Hill in Division 1’s Mythical Five were teammates Gemao and Jacob Bayla and Adamson’s Tebol Garcia and Vince Reyes, while Fil-American Eian Lowe was recognized as the Best Defensive Player. Fil-Am Nation had a dominant run, going undefeated in the tournament. It bounced back from last year’s finals loss and exacted revenge by dethroning three-time champion National University-Nazareth School. Adidas, Molten, Swish, and Farm Fresh Dairy supported the event.
On the other hand, Division 2’s individual awardees included Ato Badolato Division 2 Most Outstanding Player Allen Vergara (Top Flight), along with Mythical Team members Russel Bayani (Eco Green Technology-Makati), Lauro Pronda (Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas), Justin Cargo (St. Roberts International College-Iloilo), and Jaymark Lloren (Arellano High School). PCU-Dasma’s John Carl Catayong was awarded Best Defensive Player.
Canada’s Topflight Sports squeaked past EcoGreen Makati, 95-93, in overtime to claim the Division 2 championship. Ryan Garcia exploded for 20 points, including four triples, while JC Espinosa contributed 17 points, and Jakobi Matalabos posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 boards for Topflight Sports.
The tournament also featured the Manila Live finals earlier in the day. National University-Nazareth School and Fil-Can Nation Select were crowned champions of the inaugural Girls 19U and Boys 19U tournaments, respectively.
The Lady Bullpups overcame Naomi Panganiban’s 51-point explosion to defeat Fil-Am Nation Select, 78-73, while the Fil-Canadians won over Fil-Am Nation Select, 82-76, in the boys final.
Manila Live is the invitational tournament running concurrently with the NBTC National Finals. It features 100 teams competing in Girls’ 19U, Boys’ 19U, Boys’ 16U, and Boys’ 14U competitions. Fil-Am Nation Select 1 secured the boys’ 16U title after defeating Mighty Warriors 103-95, while Homegrown (Victoria) claimed the Boys’ 14U championship after routing Xavier, 99-65.
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