Part of the global brand, Nike Philippines officially announced early August 2015 that they will broadcast their newest project dubbed as “RISE” which will be both a documentary series and development program to seek some of the undiscovered basketball talents the country has to offer. Through a nation-wide search, the American sportswear company will search for both male and female aspiring basketball stars with try-outs to be held in several cities, such as Dagupan, Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Former Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes and current Gilas assistant coach Jimmy Alapag will handle coaching duties and oversee the program. According to Patrick Reyes who is the Country Marketing Manager of Nike Philippines, he explained, “This project will encourage and provide opportunities to everyday athletes to go beyond their comfort zone.” Twenty-four athletes will be selected from the try-outs and go through six weeks of technical, strength, and conditioning training while being mentored by Reyes, Alapag, and other unnamed coaches and international players.
The selected hopefuls will have their main training ground at the state-of-the-art House of Rise, where they will get to use advanced tools and equipment for a chance to improve their skills. The twenty-four athletes will also have access to Nike training apparel and footwear. Their journey will see a final twelve progress to take on an all-star collegiate select, as they RISE Beyond Belief. As for those who currently lives Philippines, the entire project of RISE will on TV5 every Sunday while the documentary series or behind-the-scenes content will be available on broadcast via the official channel of Nike Basketball on YouTube. Assistant coach Jimmy Alapag whohandle coaching duties further explained his concern, “It is really about work ethic that will help maximize the talent of the players.” While the former head coach Chot Reyes mentioned about the type of athletes they are looking for, “The best players are not the most skilled players. They are those that have something special in them, that have a plus factor.” For more information about “RISE” project by Nike Philippines, feel free to visit their official site via several links above. To watch the first episode “A New Journey Begins”, please take a look at the video below.