Before Gary David was known as El Granada, the Bataan-native was first discovered by the Lyceum of the Philippines University. David powered the Pirates in the NCRAA, finishing runners-up to the De Ocampo brothers-powered Saint Francis of Assisi College, in his four year stay in Intramuros during the early 2000’s.
In a scene reminiscent of Flashback Friday posts, David, 38, donned the Red and Silver once again. The now-San Miguel Beerman, together with current Pirate Shaq Alanes and Junior Pirate Mac Guadana, represented Lyceum in the inaugural Shooting Stars Challenge.
Though falling short of the record-breaking run of the Heavy Bombers in the contest, David savored the moment as he represented his Alma Mater once again.
“Masaya ako na nakasuot ulit ako ng Lyceum jersey kahit All-Star lang,” David reflected. “Siyempre, dito tayo nanggaling.”
“Utang ko yung career ko sa Lyceum. Kung di dahil sa kanila, di ako makakapasok sa PBA.”
Also serving as an assistant coach for the squad, the Lyceum alumnus shared that he always reminds his players, the new generation of Pirates, to savor each and every moment as a student-athlete.
“Ang sinasabi ko lang kung ano man yung sa practice, do it right. Kailangan i-treat nila as game yung practice,” he said.
“Yung kumpyansa nila, huwag mawawala. Di bale na mawala ang kumpyansa ng iba, basta yung sa sarili nila, hindi mawawala.”
