The stage is set for the country’s hosting the FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA qualifiers from 24 to 30 May in Pampanga.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) deputy executive director Butch Antonio said the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City in Pampanga is ready to welcome the six teams — Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines — who will compete for two slots in the FIBA U16 Asia Cup in Mongolia from 31 August to 7 September.

“As far as playing conditions are concerned, we will ensure and guarantee that the playing conditions will be at its best all the time,” said Antonio during the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday at the conference hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

“We’ve had many hosting before but every time we host a youth, U16, or an age group competition, we always try to make it a little more special.”

The tournament will be LA Tenorio’s first tournament for Gilas Pilipinas Youth after being appointed as the head coach last November.

In fact, Barangay Ginebra made the 40-year-old point guard an unrestricted free agent so that he can focus on his duties as the head tactician of Gilas Youth.

Antonio is optimistic that Gilas Youth will play inspired basketball under the leadership of Tenorio and his assistant coach, Rain or Shine veteran Gabe Norwood as they were part of the Gilas squad that bagged the silver medal in the FIBA Asia Championships in 2013.

“I think for these young kids to have LA as their head coach, it will also be an experience for them. He’s been playing for the longest time and I think his experience playing internationally, both as a young boy and part of being part of the national team, will help this program,” Antonio said.

“And the assistant coach is Gabe Norwood. So, the kuyas of Gilas are now the head coach and assistant coach, respectively, of our U16 team.”