The Rollers will be competing in six of the tournament’s nine divisions — 12-and-under coed, 14U-A (advanced), 14U-B coed, 16-18 coed, 18U-A, and men’s 25U.
A total of 54 players left for Guam on Wednesday evening along with coaches Joe Diaz, John Dela Cruz, and Elias Rangamar.
Though not new to Guam’s competition, the Rollers will be competing in the TakeCare-sponsored event for the second time since 2010.
“This is not just about basketball. This is about educating and meeting new people,” said Diaz in an earlier interview.
“We’re pretty much confident. Their chemistry is great. Everybody’s working hard for this.”
25U players Ham Hambros, Fred Litulumar, and former Saipan resident Manny Matagolai will assist in coaching their younger teammates.
The Rollers’ matches start today and continue until Sunday. An estimated 20 teams are expected to compete. The RBC is the only Saipan-based group in the tournament.
Rollers member Michael Cenir, who now resides in the United States, clinched the MVP title in the 12U division last year. Savali Talalemotu and Dixon Kwon were recognized as the top scorers in their respective divisions.
The Rollers planned on joining the 10U division but pulled out due to safety concerns from parents.
