MANILA – Bacolod City standout Mart James Barrera will be realizing his dream of playing in Manila after committing to the College of St. Benilde Blazers.
Barrera told Panay News it was a dream come true for him to play for the Blazers which is aiming to improve on its subpar showing in NCAA men’s seniors basketball last season.
“I just want to thank God for the opportunity to play in a school like CSB Blazers. One of my dreams really is to be able to show my wares in Manila,” Barrera said.
He added: “I just want to show to CSB that they made the right decision in taking me. I will continue to work hard to improve my skills further. I will try to help the team in any way possible.”
The 6-foot-3 Barrera is one of the top high school players out of the Dexter Sy-mentored Bacolod Tay Tung Thunderbolts which recently played in the NBTC Division 2 league at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
During that stint, Barrera was awarded the Division 2 Mythical Five and All-Star Game.
Aside from the Blazers, Barrera had also previously tried out with th University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University Green Archers, and Adamson University Falcons.
“As a DLSU alumni, I will prioritize DLSU and CSB. That is why Kib Montalbo and Miggy Corteza are with DLSU and Barrera is with CSB,” said Dy.
Barrera will be the third Western Visayas-based player under the Blazers of head coach Tyrone Tang aside from Ilonggo Edward Dixon and Bacolodnon Gerard Castor./PN
