As the COVID-19 pandemic continuous to sideline indoor events, including team sports, the Isolation Basketball Championship found a perfect way to launch its 1-On-1 Tournament for people from all walks of life.
Just recently, the group headed by Justin Tan, chief executive officer and founder of this tournament, tapped players from the National Basketball League and the Women’s NBL, to showcase their individual skills.
The players were able to display their ability on isolation plays.
Among those who participated were former Barangay Ginebra guard Teytey Teodoro, Arnaud Noah of San Beda, Pampanga’s pride Mark Tamayo, Christopher Lagama of the Quezon Barons, Marvin Baracael and Raymart Amil in the men’s division.
In the distaff side, former national women’s basketball team stalwart and Pinay import Allana Lim and La Salle stalwart Snow Peñaranda, bannered the cagebelles. Also seeing action were Jhen Crystelle Angeles, Angelica de Austria, Stephanie Ventura, Nicole Cancio, Jo Razalo, Girly Villflores, Jolina Go and Nicole delos Reyes.
“It’s now happening, skill versus will. Ang madalas na sinasabi ng mga tao kapag 1-on-1 tournament, laging advantage ‘yung height. But here, we put more emphasis on the weight of the players. Kung matangkad nga kalaban mo pero kulang sa weight, madali lang siyang maitutulak,” said Tan, also the head coach and team owner of the Mindoro Tamaraws in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
Tan also handles the GlutaGence Glowboosters in the NBL and La Salle Greenhills’ boys basketball team.
The event also showcased Pinoy’s talent in 1-on-1 tournament as proven by Teodoro’s victory over the Cameroonian Noah, with weight playing a key factor, according to Tan.
“Kahit mukhang dehado si Teodoro, nanalo pa rin siya,” added Tan. “This shows the skill set of Filipino players who can be at par against other countries. We’re happy with the success of the event and we couldn’t wait for the next leg of this event.”
One-on-One made its mark in the Philippine basketball landscape as early as the 1970s. In the PBA, some of the players who became Kings Of The Hard Court were Manny Paner, Philip Cezar, Ramon Fernandez and Kerby Raymundo.