Throughout the years, the UAAP has witnessed siblings face off against each other — whether as student-athletes or coaches.
The Teng, Laurel, and Pumaren brothers, for instance, famously clashed in crucial games, even in championship duels, while representing their respective schools.
In the UAAP Season 88 Junior High School Basketball Tournament on Sunday, another sibling rivalry took center stage.
For the first time, the Okebata brothers squared off — Season 87 champion Goodluck suiting up for the University of the East, and younger brother Godfavor making his debut campaign with UP Integrated School.
Goodluck led the Red Warriors with 18 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and three steals in their commanding 88-56 victory over the Fighting Maroons. After the game, he spoke with pride about his younger brother finally stepping out of his shell.
“Actually, ako ang nagsimula mag-basketball,” said Goodluck. “Football talaga yung first sport ko. Inencourage lang ako ng tito ko mag-basketball. Si Favor kasi dati eh cellphone boy siya.
“Tapos nung nakita niya akong nagba-basketball, ginaya niya rin ako kasi gusto niya pumunta sa ibang school eh. Dream school daw niya UP, San Beda, mga ganun. Ngayon, naabutan niya rin. Yung kaya sobrang proud ako sa kanya kasi naabot niya dreams niya para makaabot sa school na yun.”
Having already experienced both the highs and lows of UAAP basketball at a young age, Goodluck understands the importance of balance — managing life both on and off the court.
He knows emotions can be fleeting, and for student-athletes just starting their careers, character development matters as much as performance.
That is why, as the older sibling, he appreciates seeing Godfavor — who finished with two points and three rebounds for UP — embracing the challenges of being a student-athlete.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“It builds character for him. It’s not always all about school or basketball — it’s outside din. Siyempre, inside the court is important, pero outside the court din. It helps him build the character din for the future,” Goodluck said.
“Mag hard work lang siya kasi mahirap eh. Mahirap kasi first year niya yan eh. Last year lang siya nag-start ng basketball tapos nandito na siya. Sobrang proud ako na nandito na din siya. Alam ko kakasimula lang niya mag-basketball,” he continued.
“Kailangan niya mag-double time kasi at his age, late na siya nag-start ng basketball. He needs to double time it kasi ano siya, lumalaki nang lumalaki. Yung skills niya kailangan din gumaling kasi yung mga kalaban niya, magaling din, kaya kailangan niya mag-improve.”
If things go according to plan, the Okebata brothers could both develop into standouts in the years to come. Goodluck, now 15 years old, already stands at 6-foot-2, while 13-year-old Godfavor measures 5-foot-10.
The road ahead is still long, and keeping their feet on the ground will be crucial as their names gain prominence not only within the UAAP but beyond. For Goodluck, that means reminding himself — and his younger brother — that academics must never be neglected.
“Yung sa studies naman, wag din niya pabayaan kasi kung bagsak ka, di ka din makalaro so delikado din sa training and everything lang. Yan din ang sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na mag-aral nang mabuti, kasi sayang din ang pinaghirapan ko sa training tapos yung preparation din po yan,” he said.
