MANILA – Two former Iloilo City cagers who spent time at the University of Santo Tomas (UST) have returned home as members of the Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions men’s basketball team.
Kevin Barranco, a guard/forward, and Jean Raven Beliran, a point guard, are set to play their collegiate years with the Golden Lions once the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is over. They were recruited last year by head coach Matthew Montalvo.
Barranco, who was born in Jaro, Iloilo City, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the Golden Lions after failing to land a spot in various collegiate teams he tried out.
“I think it is God’s plan that I was recruited by CPU,” Barranco told Panay News. “Naalala ko na I was still in search for college team na mapapasukan then coach Mating called me up to join CPU, so I grabbed the opportunity.”
“I feel blessed to join CPU kasi may another opportunity na binigay sakin si Lord and excited na ako makalaro mga teammates ko kasi halos lahat ng teammates ko kalaban ko noong high school,” he added.
Barranco, who stands 6-foot-3, was a former St. Robert’s International Panda Rockets standout before being recruited by Aldin Ayo to join UST’s high school team but did not receive the much-needed break.
Like Barranco, the San Jose, Antique-born Beliran was a former Ayo recruit for the UST Tiger Cubs following his impressive stint with the Hua Siong College of Iloilo Red Phoenix.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Coach Mat na tinanggap niya ako sa team,” said Beliran, who became part of UST Growling Tigers’ Team B before. “I am just looking forward to join and play with the team after the pandemic.”
Barranco and Beliran have no regrets about their Manila dreams that proved to be short as they have grown and developed into better players as a result of their time at UST.
“Becoming part of UST was a good experience, marami akong natutunan doon and, as a player, kahit na nandito na ako sa Iloilo City, syempre hindi pa din mawawala ‘yung goal na to play in big leagues someday,” according to Barranco.
“As a player, I feel that I have improved my confidence in my stay there, especially being under Coach Ayo. I will bring all of that as I start my career here at CPU Golden Lions,” Beliran added./PN
