Brian Tolentino and his brother are set to take part in some big exhibition basketball games in Calgary. (submitted photo/Brian Tolentino)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

International basketball

P.A. basketball players set to show skills in Calgary

Dec 18, 2019 | 3:29 PM

Two basketball players from Prince Albert will soon have the chance to show their skills on a large stage.

Brian and Brandon Tolentino, both alumni of École St. Mary High School in P.A. will be getting the opportunity to play against players from the Philippines-based Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) in Calgary Dec. 27.

Gerry Tolentino, the boy’s father who has helped coach them during the early years of their careers, said the coming event will give the pair a good opportunity.

“There are scouts that’ll be there that are interested in both of them to be playing in the Philippines,” he said.

Gerry added basketball is a popular sport in the Philippines. He explained basketball in the country is akin to hockey in Canada.

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One of the major organizers spearheading the event is boxer Manny Pacquiao, who founded the MPBL in 2017.

The Tolentino brothers have played in variety of competitions over the years which have taken them all over Western Canada and even to Asia, which helped land them invitations to the game in Calgary.

Since graduating from St. Mary, the two went on to play in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC). Brian played with Olds College in Alberta before moving to Briercrest College in Caronport Sask., where he finished up his career. Brandon followed in his brothers’ footsteps and is currently on the roster for Briercrest basketball team.

Brian explained he is both excited and nervous to take part in the event.

“Pretty much anywhere you go, when there’s Filipinos, they love basketball, they love Manny Pacquiao,” he said.

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MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn