Before returning to the Philippines early this week, Andy Gemao experienced an opportunity of a lifetime.
Gemao took part in the adidas Nations Tokyo Under-19 Special Camp, joining Japan’s brightest young stars in a three-day showcase.
It was a unique experience, as he not only played alongside his counterparts from Japan but also learned from former NBA coach Bill Bayno.
“Iba yung feeling na maturuan ng coach na may NBA at high-level D1 experience. Sobrang unique nung experience na ’to kasi bihira lang yung ganitong chance,” Gemao told Tiebreaker Times.
“For me, super valuable na makuha yung insights ng mga taong matagal na sa laro, kasi alam nila yung kailangan para makarating sa top. In-absorb ko talaga lahat ng puwedeng matutuhan sa kanya.”
(C) adidas
It was a select group, with Melih Tunca of Penn State as the only other foreign invitee.
For Gemao, it was a huge honor to represent the country once again.
“Sobrang laking honor talaga na ma-represent yung Pilipinas. Ever since naman, ang goal ko sa basketball is hindi lang para sa sarili ko, kundi para sa pinanggalingan ko,” he shared.
“Yung ma-recognize ka as one of the only two international players sa camp, validation yun na kaya nating makipagsabayan sa world stage.”
Since leading Letran Squires to the NCAA Season 98 Juniors Basketball Championship, Gemao has grinded his way through basketball stints in the United States and, later, in Canada.
After a stint with Veritas Academy National Prep in Malibu, California, he spent the last two years with Royal Crown School in Toronto, Ontario.
It was with Royal Crown where he truly shone, earning All-OSBA Second Team honors.
(C) adidas
“Malaking factor yung stay ko sa Royal Crown kasi na-expose ako sa ibang style ng basketball. Yung adjustment ko sa physicality sa Canada at pakikipag-compete sa iba’t ibang talent from around the world, yun yung nag-mold sa akin para maging mas mature na player ngayon. Dala-dala ko yung toughness na yun pagpasok ko sa camp,” said Gemao, who now stands at 6-foot-2.
Now, Gemao faces a major decision — where he will take his talents for college.
And with all the experiences he has gained, he hopes to carry them wherever he lands.
“Sobrang grateful ako sa lahat ng opportunities na dumaan. From Veritas to Royal Crown, bawat stop may mga natutunan ako na baon ko hanggang sa pagtuntong ko sa college,” he said.
“Ang mindset ko lang is to keep improving every day. Gusto ko lang maging best version ng sarili ko, as a player and as a person.”
