Throughout the 2017 SM National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Championships, a lot of players have stepped up and stood out, and a few of these have been foreigners of Filipino descent.
Four foreign-based teams composed of Filipino-foreigners have competed in the NBTC, with one team each from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. Of all the players on these Fil-For teams, a number have turned some heads and have attracted a hefty level of interest from eager collegiate basketball scouts in attendance.
Let’s take a look at some of these skilled hoopsters who have what it takes to be potential stars in the next few years.
Bruce Edwards (USA) – 20.3ppg, 7.7rpg, 1.3apg, 1.0spg, 1.3 triples per game
Edwards was supposedly to debut for Adamson in UAAP Season 79, but he stayed on Team B instead and, somehow, found his way playing for the USA squad here in the NBTC. As the numbers suggest, the 6’4 Edwards looks to be the total package. He can score, rebound, and defend. He can mix it up in the paint and shoot from long range. He should be a handful next season if Adamson keeps him, and they should.
Kamaka Hepa (USA) – 15.3ppg, 9.3rpg, 2.7apg, 1.0spg, 4.0bpg, 1.0 triples per game
This native of Barrow, Alaska debuted with aplomb yesterday against no less than the San Beda Red Cubs, putting up an eye-popping 27-13-5-1-7 line. He dazzled with his scoring, playmaking, and shot-blocking prowess. He lived up to his top-level billing and, needless to say, all scouts and coaches who witnessed his performance were salivating at the prospect of having him potentially play here in Manila or for the national team in the future. It may be all for naught, though, as Hepa has been offered numerous US NCAA Division 1 scholarships by strong programs like the Miami Hurricanes, Oklahoma Sooners, Oregon Ducks, Texas Longhorns and others. The chances of the 6’9 17-year-old uprooting himself and relocating to the Philippines are low, but if he does, he should be an instant superstar. Don’t let his more pedestrian lines against SHS-Ateneo De Cebu and Team Australia fool you. Kamaka Hepa, who traces his roots to Pangasinan, is the real deal.
Comments