A HIGH school standout from a school in Bacolod City will soon have a chance to make a name for himself in the big city after verbally agreeing to commit to a Manila-based university.
While we already wanted to name the said player, he has requested the Buzzer Beater to withhold his identity first until he officially commits with the university, which is being tipped as one of the contenders in the upcoming collegiate season.
“Masaya ako sa opportunity na makalaro sa Manila. It is really my dream,” said the basketball cager. “Basta ako, I will do my best para hindi masayang ‘yung trust na ibinigay sa akin.”
We here at the Buzzer Beater is wishing him the best and we know that he will make a mart, este, mark in Manila.
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PBA fans will have nothing to worry when the league takes a Gilas break as they will be treated to double-header pitting the old champion teams of San Miguel Beer and Alaska Milk, and the original Barangay Ginebra-Purefoods rivalry.
Set either on Sept. 9 or Sept. 16 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, this classic legends showcase is the initial project of Samahan ng mga Dating Propesyonal na Basketbolista ng Pilipinas (SDPBP) in cooperation with the PBA.
“We sought the PBA’s support and they gave us a warm reception especially because this in an event for a cause,” said former Crispa superstar Atoy Co, president SDPBP which aims to raise funds to support former PBA players who hit hard times in life.
The other officers of the group are former Crispa star Philip Cezar as vice president, former Toyota player Ed Cordero as secretary, Allan Caidic as treasurer while Alvin Patrimonio, Kenneth Duremdes, Jojo Lastimosa, Pido Jarencio and Art dela Cruz are board members.
“They put up a foundation that will be ready to help their peers. We’re cooperating with them and we’re giving them all-out support,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
“Tutulungan natin lumakas ‘yung foundation. Kapag lumakas, marami silang matutulungan na nangangailangang dating kasamahan,” added the PBA Commissioner.
For the initial project featuring former stars of Ginebra, Purefoods, San Miguel Beer and Alaska, “Sila ang bahala sa players while the PBA takes care of the operation and promotions. The proceeds go to the foundation,” Marcial also said.
Among the players suiting up in the double header are Fernandez, Caidic, Lastimosa, Patrimonio, Duremdes, Ato Agustin, Hector Calma, Johnny Abarrientos, Bong Hawkins, Jeffrey Cariaso, Jerry Codiñera, Chito Loyzaga, Vince Hizon, Marlou Aquino, Noli Locsin, and Bal David.
Prior to the upcoming double header, two classic legends games have been held before, including the Crispa-Toyota reunion game in 2003, then a showdown among the 25 PBA greatest players./PN
