The focus might be on the upcoming national finals of SEAOIL Elite League on May 22-25, but on the long term, no less than Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas cited the benefits of the grassroots league.

SEAOIL Elite League executive director Eric Altamirano said that  SBP executive director Renauld “Sonny” Barrios himself recently lauded the league for coming up with a wholistic approach in identifying, preparing and developing young players for youth national teams.

“We thank Mr. Barrios and the SBP for continuously recognizing the SEAOIL Elite League’s aim to develop skills, build character and raise leaders,”said Altamirano, who added that he hopes the SBP will continue to recognize the SEAOIL Elite League as an integral basketball program.

When it was first established, the league’s objective was to create learning environment opportunities for players to demonstrate and enhance both their individual and team skills, to focus on skill development rather than just winning, to serve as a pathway for the players and coaches to move to a higher level competition.

“As we always say, the competition and the winning is only secondary to the aim to produce the best players for both local and international competitions,” Altamirano said .

Sixteen teams will battle for the  national title set on May 22-25 at the West Negros University Gym in Bacolod City that is sponsored by SEAOIL Philippines, Burlington, Freego Jeans and Molten under the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas.

Competing teams are San Mig Coffee Cavite, B-Meg Lucena , Magnolia Fresh Chicken Bulacan, Magnolia Ice Cream La Union, Star Margarine Olongapo, Star Margarine Dumaguete, Purefoods TJ Cebu and Bacolod, San Mig Coffee Bacolod, Magnolia Ice Cream Iloilo,  B-MEG Ormoc, Star Margarine Zamboanga, Magnolia Ice Cream GenSan, Purefoods TJ Davao, Monterey Meatshop CDO and San Mig Coffee Iligan.

The top two teams after the one round elimination will advance to the finals for a winner-take-all match.

The participating teams were products of the said training module that focused on fundamentals while coaches also benefited from regular coaching seminars.