PAMPANGA proved to be a gracious of the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers, particularly with its newly-elected Vice Governor, too.

Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda showed how close basketball is to his heart by pampering the Gilas Pilipinas Youth team with everything it needed during its title campaign in the tournament, including the sumptuous food and delicacies Pampanga are famous for.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas program director Alfrancis Chua could attest to the generosity of Pineda, who is also a champion coach and a known patron of some of the biggest basketball players from the province.

Chua said Pineda took care of the daily meals of the young Filipino team, a squad rookie coach LA Tenorio steered to a six-game sweep to win the championship and earn a berth to the Asia Cup U16 in Mongolia this July.

“Tinanong niya (Pineda) lang kung ano kailangan ng team. Usually pagkain kasi yung game late na rin natatapos. Kaya every game laging may pagkain yung mga bata,” said Chua.

The PBA vice chairman and SMC Sports Director was in Pampanga to support the team and Tenorio’s first full-time foray in international competitions.

The Youth team didn’t disappoint as it won the tournament with a perfect 6-0 record, including a repeat over Indonesia, 70-40, during the title game Friday night at the jampacked Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center.

The families of the players travelled their way to San Fernando to witness the Gilas coronation, the delegation numbering to about 150 to 200.

And again, Pineda was there to serve as gracious host.

Chua describe the atmosphere as 'fiesta-like' when the team had its dinner celebration with their families and supporters, together with SBP officials and other local cage executives.

“Nagpa-handa ng isang buong inihaw na baka (roasted beef),” said Chua. “E, ang dami nung delegation pati yung pamilya ng mga player.”

Chua added he and the SBP were grateful for the warm hospitality extended by Pineda, Converge FiberXers Governor Archen Cayabyab, who is also brother-in-law of the Pampanga Vice Governor, and the entire province for the successful hosting of the Asia Cup U16 qualifiers.

“Salamat ng marami kay Vice Gov. Delta at sa buong Pampanga sa alagang pinaramdam nila sa ating Gilas Pilipinas team,” said the Barangay Ginebra team governor.

By the way, a bit of a financial reward was also given by Pineda to the Gilas Youth team, further proof of his big-heartedness as far as basketball is concerned.

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