Fil-Nation’s Back-to-Back NBTC Titles Show Global Program’s Rise

Photos: Vyn Radovan, Fil-Nation Select

The 2025 NBTC National Finals crowned a familiar champion in Division 1: Fil-Nation Select-USA. Their 64-59 win over Phenom Blue Fire-Pasay marked their second straight title – and third consecutive finals appearance – at the prestigious grassroots basketball event. But if you ask Fil-Nation Select Executive Director Rodel Lizan and Co Founder Alex Cabagnot, the victory means more than just hardware.

“What it proves is that we are able to identify talent and bring the right team together,” Cabagnot said. “It’s not just back-to-back championships. This is also three straight finals appearances and guys getting opportunity to extend their basketball with some Philippine college.”

The 2025 championship team featured a new mix of talent. Unlike previous years, this group struggled with chemistry early. They barely bonded off the court, according to Lizan the group was different in their unique way.

“They never went out. They were in their rooms, doing their own thing… they kind of even got into each other’s nerves as well mine,” he shared. “But on the court, that’s where we shine. They listened to Coach Byron Scott and the coaching staff.

Coach Scott – yes, the former NBA head coach – helped direct a lineup that included standout guard Angelino Mark, who kept the team in control until fouling out in the fourth quarter, and athletic forward Andrew Miller, who not only sealed the championship win with a clutch play down the stretch but also turned heads earlier in the tournament by winning the league’s Slam Dunk Contest during All-Star Saturday.

Lizan emphasized that NBTC, while prestigious, is just one part of a much larger effort. This year, Fil-Nation Select brought 48 teams from across the globe – spanning the USA, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, New Zealand, and Australia – to compete in various age groups in NBTC Division 1, Division 2, and the Manila Live tournaments.

“NBTC is just one of the avenues, but there really is a cultural experience of playing Philippine-style basketball,” Lizan explained. “You want the best competition. Five years ago, man, we would have won everything. But the level now, it’s gone up local super teams are being formed.”

That rising level was evident in the results. While the Division 1 team captured gold, other Fil-Nation squads fell in semifinals and earlier rounds across different brackets. But the overall takeaway, Lizan says, isn’t just about wins and losses – it’s about exposure and growth and giving back to the community.

Fil-Nation helps coordinate logistics, planning, and looks to break even to lessen expenses so athletes and families can focus on the experience. Though travel is parent-funded, the program’s structure makes elite international competition more accessible. And now, college recruiters are paying attention.

“Yeah, there’s a few guys that have been invited to work out. We talked to Charles Tiu, Sean Chambers, Chris Gavina, UP… even for the Canada-based teams,” he said. “If coaches are not recruiting from this event, they’re lazy.” Families are investing to be seen and get their children the right opportunity with the right program.

The program is also making serious moves on the girls’ side. Samantha Medina, one of the NBTC’s brightest young stars, has already committed to National University after drawing aggressive interest from multiple UAAP programs.

Still, Lizan is clear: the focus isn’t just recruitment – it’s about providing a full-circle experience for young athletes around the world. They distributed over 800 pairs of shoes, water bottles, and basketball at the Tenement community with partners like Court Kicks, Jo Koy and Project Joy.

“As far as our main, first and foremost, is we tell families that it’s an investment, the main goal is the culture and experience to play basketball. Then lastly is to showcase themselves – we want them to shine.”

With back-to-back titles and a steadily growing international presence, Fil-Nation Select is doing just that—shining on Philippine soil, and shaping the next wave of talent from every corner of the globe.