Henry Suico is set to take the road less traveled by Filipino basketball prospects.
The 6-foot-1 Cebuano guard has accepted a scholarship offer from premier elite youth basketball academy Zentro Basket Madrid.
The opportunity came about after Suico was invited to join a camp through Luis Guil, the former head coach of Kiefer Ravena in Shiga and currently an assistant coach for Real Madrid Baloncesto.
“Coach Leo Casinillo, who has trained me since I was a kid, introduced me to Alex Arcilla, the founder of Bayanihan Elite, which is the best Filipino youth program in Europe. He knows the assistant coach of Real Madrid, Luis Guil, who is also the former defensive consultant for the Spain national team,” Suico shared to Tiebreaker Times.
“After watching me play, I was invited to train here at Zentro Basketball.”
During the camp, Suico trained alongside professional players in Europe, allowing him to test himself against high-level competition.
One thing led to another, and he eventually received a scholarship offer from Zentro Basket.
“I learned a lot syempre. I was also invited to watch the Real Madrid training, and I think that was the best experience for me,” he expressed.
“When I trained with Zentro, it was so detailed talaga — from how I shoot to how I pass. Everything we do needs to be intentional talaga.”
The opportunity came as an unexpected blessing for the 18-year-old, who previously studied at Ateneo de Manila High School before graduating from Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu.
“I never expected this talaga. This just shows na if you really work hard for what you want, makukuha mo talaga with God’s guidance.”
Suico is also grateful to University of Santo Tomas and Growling Tigers head coach Pido Jarencio for fully supporting his decision to decommit and pursue a new journey overseas.
“Knowing na naka-commit na ako, I’m glad na sila Coach Pido and the whole management of UST supported my decision to play internationally,” he said.
(C) UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Now, Suico is embracing the unconventional path for Filipino prospects, hoping that this move will either lead to a professional career in Europe or open doors to NCAA Division I opportunities.
For now, however, he is taking things step by step as he looks to learn the European style of basketball while inspiring the next generation.
“To play in Europe, you need to have a very detailed and structured approach to the game. You must be fundamentally sound and possess a strong basketball IQ to succeed. I also want to learn how Spanish players do it. They may not be the most athletic players in the world, but from observing them, I see that their IQ, fundamentals, and discipline are their main weapons. I want to learn those qualities and observe them in person,” he said.
“I hope with this decision I will grow into a better player and a better person, and to hopefully show others na rin that there is nothing wrong with having big dreams.”
