Three Cebuanos have made it to the national pool of the Batang Gilas squad that is preparing to compete against Asia’s best in the Fiba Asia Under-18 Championships in Iran later this year.
At the head of the pack is the much-improved John Bryle Bahio, formerly of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation who is now playing for the San Beda Red Lions. Joining the 17-year-old are two current members of the National University Bulldogs: Filipino-Australian Joshua Sinclair, formerly of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu, and Theo Joshua Flores, a product of the University of the Visayas.
Attention though, is slowly turning towards Bahio. Already standing 6-foot-5 and considerably more muscular than during his time with the Baby Panthers, Bahio is slated to play a key role for the Batang Gilas of head coach Mike Oliver.
“For one, JB (Bahio) is much stronger now physically. He bulked up a bit due to weight training. He is also learning to play against bigger and older guys. He is adjusting very quickly,” beamed San Beda team manager Jude Roque, the man who personally recruited Bahio over to Mendiola.
Bahio, in an exclusive talk with Cebu Daily News, said that he, too, feels much more confident especially after training in Manila for a little over a year and adjusting to the nuances of how the game is played in Manila.
“Feel nako mura ni-improve ko gamay sa ako mga decision-making ug pag-mature sa duwa,” said the meek youngster on Monday evening.
Bahio added that he never thought he would be invited to join the Batang Gilas training pool. The development has motivated him to work even harder, both on and off the floor.
“Lipay kaayu niya na motivate pako pag ayo nga mu-work hard pa gyud,” he said.
Sinclair, on the other hand, said that the challenge of making the team was a tough one, but it was a challenge that he was more than ready to take on.
“Yeah it’s good so far. We have a very strong pool. It’s going to be tough to make the team,” shared the reigning Most Outstanding Player of the National Basketball Training Center.
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.
