THIRTEEN-year-old Zulcarnain Datumanong of Cotabato and seven other young Filipino basketball players have been selected for Pocari Sweat’s ‘Live Your Dream with Pocari Sweat: Basketball Dream Project’ Season 3, earning a week-long training opportunity in Japan in April 2027.
Also making the cut were Charles Nino Garcia, 15, and Jose Victorio Suico, 14, from Cebu; Chazz Anthone Lesiguez, 15, and John Miel Lachica, 15, from Iloilo; Jerruz Clinx Domingo, 14, from Cotabato; and Dexter Jacob Dandoy, 15, and Jhun Lee Ibuos, 14, from Davao.
The final selection was held recently at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation in Cebu City, where 32 finalists competed.
The eight players will train alongside B. League players and coaches, gaining exposure to advanced training methods, professional coaching, and the discipline required to compete at a higher level.
Launched in 2024, the program aims to develop young Filipino basketball players through structured training and expert coaching. For Season 3, nine regional tryouts were held in Cebu, Iloilo, Cotabato, and Davao, attracting a total of 652 aspiring players.
‘Pocari Sweat has always believed in supporting the youth by investing in programs that help them grow, achieve, and dream without limits,’ said Ken Saito, president and managing director of Otsuka-Solar Philippines, Inc. ‘This initiative is our commitment to creating pathways for young athletes to succeed.’
The final tryout was attended by PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Zone 8 Director Popoy Navarro and Cebu City Sports Commission Executive Director Rhoel Dejano.