MANILA – Bacolodnon Paul Barcelona played a huge role for the Philippine U-17 team, which emerged as champion in the virtual United Nations of Basketball World Skills competition Under-17 division.
The 12-year-old St. John’s Institute-Bacolod standout made his contribution for the Philippine U-17 squad with his first place finish in dribbling, second in agility and fourth in shooting.
According to Barcelona, he was grateful to be chosen by Joanne Soto of the Best Center Bacolod to join the 12 players representing the country in the online basketball skills competition.
“I love basketball and it is part of me. To be able to join this prestigious competition and winning the championship is a dream come true. I know I still have a long way to go, but I will continue to enjoy learning,” Barcelona said.
“I am delighted with the championship because I worked really hard for this and I also want to thank God for always guiding me. I dedicate this victory to my family, coaches and friends who believe in me,” he added.
According to Pete Barcelona, Paul’s father, his son worked hard for the competition as he has gone through a series of eliminations the past two weeks until the Philippine U-17 team came out as champion against its competitors.
“At first, we could not believe that Paul was chosen to represent in an Under-17 competition since he was just 12. But we have faith in him and gave our full support for him to experience being part of a world basketball skills competition,” Paul said.
This was the second virtual skills championship of Barcelona after becoming part of the Asia Pacific team that ruled the 2020 Jr. NBA Global Championship boys division last August.
The UNB was launched in 2020 with the aim of developing the world’s future basketball stars while encouraging peace by bringing people and nations together through basketball. It aims to become the largest global basketball development network, outside of the International Basketball Federation./PN
