If there’s something the former Gilas Pilipinas Cadets will cherish for the rest of their lives, it would be the precious moments they shared, not just on the court but off it as well, especially in places far from home.
“Yung bond namin through going out internationally, you can’t replicate it through anything else,” reflected San Miguel Beerman Von Pessumal. “Iba yung samahan when you go out-of-town, kasi kayo lang magkakakilala eh.”
From 2016-2017, these Cadets represented the Philippines in global tilts such as the FIBA Asia Challenge Cup, William Jones Cup, and Southeast Asian Games. It has been a while since they last played together.
But this 2019, these brothers-in-arms will have a chance to share the hardwood again.
The Cadets will have a mini-reunion in the upcoming PBA All-Star Weekend in Calasiao, Pangasinan, during the Rookies-Sophomores versus Juniors match that will cap off the opening day festivities on Friday, March 29.
Ten of the Juniors’ 12-man lineup were all part of the ’16-’17 Cadets program – namely Pessumal, Matthew Wright, Jio Jalalon, Ed Daquioag, Kevin Ferrer, Russel Escoto, Mac Belo, Mike Tolomia, Carl Bryan Cruz, and Roger Pogoy.
Only Raymar Jose was left out, as he will be on the Rookies-Sophomores side.
Still, the Cadets are all looking forward to their mini get-together in Calasiao.
“It’s good to be back with them and knowing that I’ll be in the same team with them. Malamang may activities kami na we’re gonna be together. I’m looking forward to that,” said Pessumal.
“Yes, looking forward akong makalaro ulit yung Cadets – after two years magkakalaro ulit kami,” Ferrer seconded.
“I’m excited na makakampi sila ulit,” Pogoy said.
Tolomia and Cruz have also expressed their excitement about reuniting with their fellow Cadets. And they’re also looking forward to the reunion of FEU alums, as six Tamaraws – Tolomia, Cruz, Escoto, Jose, Belo, Pogoy – will all see action in the exhibition match.
“Matagal na rin kami ‘di nagkasama-sama, and mostly dun mga teammates ko rin sa FEU, so excited ako na makasama ulit sila,” Tolomia said. “Magandang opportunity ‘tong event na ‘to para makapag-bonding at reunion kaming special draftees, [and] at the same time sa’min ding FEU boys,” Cruz added.
The former Cadets spent a long, long time together, so all of them strongly believe that their familiarity with one another will be their major weapon when facing the Rookies-Sophomores squad.
“Yes, malaking bagay yung familiarity ng bawat isa sa amin. Ilang years din kami nagsama-sama,” pointed out Ferrer. “Magkaka-amuyan na kami at alam na namin yung laro ng bawat isa,” Tolomia added.
“Malaki advantage namin dahil matagal na kami magkakilala at nagkasama kami lahat ng mahaba-haba, so inside the court alam namin mga laro namin at pamilyar kami sa isa’t isa,” Cruz said. “Wala nang kapa-kapaan sa’min.
“Macha-challenge sila … And of course, ‘di kami papatalo.”
“We kind of know who likes up to spot up where, or who likes to drive. Alam namin tendencies namin eh, kasi we’ve played together,” Pessumal said. “I think the familiarity will come along the game. Looking forward to that.”
But that doesn’t mean they’ll be taking the opposition – made up of Jose, Jeron Teng, Mark Tallo, Robert Bolick, Abu Tratter, Jason Perkins, Paul Desiderio, CJ Perez, Trevis Jackson, Rey Nambatac, Javee Mocon, and Robbie Herndon – lightly. In fact, they expect nothing less than a challenge.
“Yung Rookies-Sophomores malalakas din yan,” Pogoy warned.
“Ine-expect ko magiging aggressive sila sa game. Tingin ko magiging maganda yung laban,” Tolomia said. “Magandang laban dahil halos magkaka-batch lang or nakalaro rin naman namin sila nung college,” Ferrer followed.
