Local cagers inspired after chance to play against PBA teams

NLEX’s Sean Anthony tries to penetrate the defense of Meralco’s Reynel Hugnatan during the championship game of the Recoletos Invitational Cup at the USJ-R Coliseum (CDN PHOTO/RABBONI BORBON).

AFTER SEEING their childhood dreams come true last week when they played against the pros of Meralco and NLEX, several of Cebu’s finest collegiate players are hoping to use that unforgettable experience as fuel in their bid to reach their basketball dreams.

Players from the reigning champions University of the Visayas (UV) and the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) were over the moon last week as they competed in the Recoletos Invitational Cup, which featured the Road Warriors and the Governors’ Cup runners-up Bolts.

It was an experience they won’t soon forget, said USJ-R guard Miguel Gastador.

“Playing against the two PBA teams fulfilled a long-time dream of mine. I just grabbed the opportunity and played with all my heart. Plus, being able to score against the defense of these PBA players has given me extra confidence that I too, can make it to their level,” said Gastador. “This experience inspired me to always hold on to dreams. It may not be easy and smooth but with great perseverance and hard work, I will get there.”

RJ Dinolan, USJ-R’s star forward, narrated how he nearly lost his composure when it finally dawned on him that he was playing with PBA players.

“I thought I was just cool about the idea playing with the professionals. But from the start of the jump ball of the first game, my heart was just beating like crazy. I just realized this is how it is playing in the big leagues. I saw how focused they were but at the same time relaxed,” said Dinolan.

Tristan Albina, UV’s prized rookie recruit from Dumaguete City, said that as a player from a place not so known for churning out basketball products, being able to test his skills against players who have made it to the highest level will serve him well in his quest to make it to the PBA.

“It was really a once in a lifetime experience to see our idols up close and personal,” said Albina, whose thrill of the tournament came when he had to defend Meralco’s Chris Newsome, a player he has looked up to for a while now. “The experience inspired me more to achieve the ultimate dream of being a professional player. Seeing them living the dream made me hungrier to get there too. With hard work and more practice, I know I would get there someday.”