EYEING CEBU

Nike Rise product Jair Marabe sets sights on roster of USP-F

After proving his worth at the national level during the first-ever Nike Rise program last year, 17-year-old Jair Borne Marabe is setting his sights on making his mark here in Cebu as he aspires to make the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USP-F) Panthers roster in time for the brand-new Cesafi season later this year.

Marabe rose to national prominence last year for both his basketball skills and his unique story which caught the eye of Nike Rise officials led by former national team head coach Chot Reyes. Like many who were victimized by Supertyphoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Marabe found himself without a home and had to start from scratch.

With the help of renowned basketball coach Jerry Abuyabor, Marabe tried his luck at the Cebu tryouts of the aforementioned Nike event and eventually made it to the final 24, where he got the chance to be trained by some of the country’s best coaches and even got to meet NBA superstars Paul George and LeBron James.

Now, he is taking aim at checking off another of his basketball dreams – playing in the Cesafi.

“It’s a privilege to play with the Panthers because they practice religiously. And playing in the Cesafi is really a great honor for me. It’s a new chapter in my life. And I have to prepare myself,” said Marabe in a talk with Cebu Daily News.

Asked about what he brings to the table for a Panthers team that has long underachieved in Cebu’s premier inter-school basketball league, the soft-spoken youngster pointed out his infectious tenacity whenever he is given time on the floor.

“Maybe I can help them while in practice. Na bisag practice ra, all out pa din. Intensity in game and especially sa practice kay didto gyud mag prepare ang teams,” Marabe quipped.

USPF head coach Albert Alocillo said with the Cesafi season being a long way off, Marabe will be given the opportunity to earn a spot in the final roster.