Dondon Hontiveros (with cap) grooves along with some of the trainees of the DH25 Basketball Camp during an outreach program at the Parian Drop-in Center in Cebu City. (CDNPHOTO/LITO TECSON)
Dondon Hontiveros, known as the Cebuano Hotshot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), took time out from his busy schedule to spend time with children sheltered at the Parian Drop-in Center in Sikatuna Street, Cebu City.
The outreach program was part of the DH25 Basketball Camp, the first-ever basketball clinic that Hontiveros organized.
Apart from distributing food and shirts, the veteran gunner also provided entertainment as he gamely danced with his students to the tune of “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).”
Hontiveros later explained to the trainees why the outreach program was included in the basketball camp, which attracted at least 60 students.
“That’s why I brought you here so you would see the value of family, that you have to be there for each other,” said Hontiveros. “It was good that we were able to spend time with the children, we made them happy and we were able to share.”
Hontiveros urged his students to follow the battle cry of his mother team in the PBA, the Alaska Aces.
“In Alaska, our battle cry is “stronger together,” he said.
Picking up a broom, Hontiveros said: “You can break a single stick easily. But sticks bound together will be hard to break.”
GILAS DUTIES
Hontiveros had to fly in Saturday just for the camp, which will be held on all weekends of August. He was set to fly back to Manila last night to continue his training with the Gilas Pilipinas pool.
“We are doing well in our practices,” he said.
Hontiveros said there are days when he feels confident of making it to the national team. But there are also days that he sees himself no longer capable of playing with the Nationals.
“Its no secret that I am already 38 years old. Every practice is a tough grind. And when you play in an international tournament you have to be in your best shape since games are played everyday,” he said.
“But coming off a break or rest, I feel pretty good. It’s that time when I feel that I can still play with anyone,” he said.
Hontiveros said there will be no regrets if he fails to make the final cut.
“Being part of the Gilas pool is already a big help. I learned a lot from coach Tab Baldwin, things that I can use should I get into coaching,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros revealed that he feels for former Gilas players, such as LA Tenorio, June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar, who are under fire for begging off from the pool.
“I can’t say any negative thing about them. I pity them because they can’t do anything because of injuries. Hopefully, they can recover and rejoin the team,” he said.
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
