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BANMI not giving up on 25-and-under
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Posted on Nov 10 2004
Basketball Association of the Northern Marianas Islands is crossing its fingers and hopes to stage the 25-and-under Basketball League before the end of the year.
BANMI president Mike Muna said interested teams are having trouble putting up the entry fee, especially now since the association is strictly adhering to its “no pay, no play” rule.
Registration fee is $900 for teams who wish to have uniforms supplied by the league or $600 for teams who already have their own uniforms.
Before the implementation of the rule, 14 teams have shown interest in competing in the 2004 season, according to board member and league coordinator Abner Venus.
The list includes defending champion Northern Marianas College Proa, last year’s runner up Ghasias Brothers, Ol’Aces, San Antonio Sixers, San Vicente Sunrisers, Cougars, Tinian, Mobil, Toyota, 69ers, Garapan Rollers I and II, and a team made up of players from the UFO-San Miguel Cup.
Venus said league registration is still open and aside from the entry fee, teams are also required to submit necessary documents for age verification and accomplished waiver forms.
Players eligible to see action in the league are those whose 26th birthday does not predate the opening of the season.
For more information about the 25-and-under league, please call Muna at 664-3582, or league coordinators Venus at 287-5911 and Rangamar at 664-2503.
Last year, Proa hoisted the championship of the 25-and-under tournament after it waylaid Ghasias Brothers, 106-91, in the title tiff.
Verizon also won that season’s pennant championship and was coached by then CNMI national basketball team coach Rufino Aguon. Its players included Jester Garcia, Dave Palacios, Boaz Etpison, Ambrose Ogumoro, Jeremy Sablan, Ponce Rasa, J.C. Kim, Oscar Ada, and Mel Manibusan. (Mark Rabago)
