MANILA – Miggy Corteza realizes his dream of playing in Manila when he suits up for De La Salle University Green Archers in Season 81 of the UAAP men’s basketball this year.
The native of Silay City, Negros Occidental told Panay News he is excited and at the same time pressured to play for the team that placed second to Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles last year.
“I was recruited to play for La Salle when their team manager went to Bacolod two years ago,” said Corteza, who played high school ball for St. Joseph School in Iloilo City and Bacolod Tay Tung High School in Bacolod City.
“Of course there is pressure wearing the colors of La Salle because I need to perform well not just in practices but also in actual games since our bosses are giving their unending support to the team,” he said.
Corteza promised to give his best as he expects tough competition for playing time with fellow Green Archers guards Kib Montalbo, Andrei Caracut and Aljun Melecio.
“I will just do my best every time, be at my absolute best every time I’m on the floor,” Corteza said. “I will try to improve my basketball skills further and be a good student-athlete.
“I won’t waste this opportunity to play for La Salle. I am also thankful to where I came from, especially to (Tay Tung team manager) Tito Roger (Montalbo) for helping me realize this dream of playing in Manila.”
Aside from Corteza, other Green Archers rookies in the upcoming season include Taane Te Kira Samuel, Brandon Bates, Joaquin Enrico Manuel, Ian Herrera, Carlo Lim, Neil Tolentino, Christian Manatay, and Eroll Pastor./PN
