Young Andwele Cabanero showed that, just like his older brother Nic, he can be the main man for University of Santo Tomas.
In the Tiger Cubs’ do-or-die game against the De La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers in the UAAP Season 86 Junior High School Basketball Tournament last Wednesday, Andwele erupted for 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals, lifting his side to the Final Four following an 87-82 triumph.
Not bad for a skinny, 5-foot-10, 14-year-old kid competing in an under-16 tournament, right?
(C) Julius Domondon/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Si Andwele, talagang saludo ako sa kanya. Magaling talaga at kailangan mo lang siyang gabayan. Talent-wise, sobrang tiwala ako dito,” said Tiger Cubs head coach Andy Mejos.
Andwele showcased his prowess in the third quarter.
The Cebuano guard scored 16 of UST’s 19 points, finishing on drives and knocking down a half-court buzzer-beater, single-handedly turning a 48-39 deficit into a 70-58 cushion.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord at sa mga coaches. Talagang grabe yung tiwala nila sa akin,” said Andwele, downplaying his masterpiece.
“Tiwala lang po at sa mga coaches lang po. Binigyan nila ako ng kumpiyansa.”
(C) Nic Cabanero
Admittedly, Andwele shared that he always sought advice from Nic.
And he takes all of it to heart.
“Sabi niya, huwag ka lang magmadali at composed lang palagi. Lagi ko siyang sinusunod sa mga payo niya,” he said.
“Gusto ko makapasok sa Finals. Gusto ko po makapag-Gilas. Gusto ko makilala dito tulad ng kapatid ko.”
