MANILA – Ilonggo winger Ian Carl Gasacao is finally realizing his dream of playing in the big leagues here after passing his tryouts with NAASCU powerhouse St. Clare College of Caloocan City Saints.
The Iloilo City native confirmed to Panay News on Monday that he was accepted by the Saints and could join the squad in their seven-peat bid in NAASCU men’s basketball later this year.
“I am happy and thankful to St. Clare for giving me another chance. I was actually recommended to them last year but I was unable to go due to the pandemic and monetary problems,” Gasacao said.
“I am lucky that I am still accepted I will definitely repay their trust with hard work in practices and in games,” he added. “So far, I am doubling my effort so that I can go back to my usual playing condition and help the team in the upcoming tournaments.”
Gasacao was a former standout of CenterPhil Montessori SilverKnights that represented Western Visayas in the Breakdown Basketball Battle of Champions before he was recruited for University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs in UAAP juniors.
Things didn’t go well for Gasacao, however, in UST that he moved from one school to another. He was supposed to join Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals but this did not push through, which led him to return home and study with Hercor College.
While in Iloilo, Gasacao kept himself busy while playing in local tournaments an d also wo n the JB Amateur Basketball League (JB ABL) slam dunk competition last year, which caught the eye of Saints head coach Jinino Manansala.
“Ian is a diamond in the rough. He has the potential and he also has the height,” Manansala said. “I understand that he is far from his game shape but he is showing great determination in our recent practices, which is good.”
“The coaching staff will also work on his offensive and defensive skills further so that he can join the team in NAASCU and in the PBA D-League,” he added. “We have great plans for Ian, he has what it takes to excel in the big leagues soon.”
Porsche Bernil, who trained Gasacao when he was still in Iloilo City, said she was delighted that Manansala and St. Clare gave the Ilonggo big man an opportunity after not passing his recent tryout with the Generals.
“I am happy for Ian because this is a great opportunity for him and his family,” Bernil said. “I am also sure that he is in good hands with coach Jinno and St. Clare and I also believe that he will become a better player there.”/PN
