By: Jerod Orcullo
Nearly halfway through the NCAA Season 100 Juniors Basketball Tournament, teams are settling into their positions as the Final Four picture becomes clearer with each passing game.
One of the season’s biggest surprises has been the rise of Emilio Aguinaldo College, currently locked in a three-way tie for the top seed with the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and San Beda-Rizal at 3-1.
Leading the charge for the Brigadiers’ impressive start are seniors EJ Castillo, Kelly Coronel, and Ian Cuajao, all of whom have been instrumental on both ends of the floor.
Among the three, Cuajao’s name stands out — especially for NCAA basketball fans who recognize him as the younger brother of Letran Knight Deo Cuajao.
“May pressure naman, malaking pressure ‘to sakin na bubuo ako ng pangalan ko, pero idol ko yun eh,” Ian shared when asked about his older brother. “Malaking pressure yun sa’kin, pero yun nga, I’ll do my best para maging version sa’kin.”
The 5-foot-10 guard from Midsayap, North Cotabato is making a name for himself at EAC, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.25 steals in their first four games.
His standout performance so far came in their season opener against San Beda-Rizal on February 24, where he erupted for 31 points and 10 rebounds in an overtime loss.
“Malaking blessing ‘to sa’kin, makalaro dito ngayon, kasi eto yung pangarap ko dati pa, nasa Letran pa ‘ko,” he said.
Cuajao was once part of the Letran Squires’ Season 98 championship squad before transferring to EAC the following season. While his move was partly due to a lack of playing time in Intramuros, he emphasized that his decision was also about personal growth.
“Sa Letran, loaded dun eh. Medyo wala akong playing time, kaya pasalamat ako dito sa EAC na binigyan ako ng tyansa na makalaro dito,” he stated.
“Gusto ko din kasi mag-grow bilang athlete, na makalaro ng todo.”
Now, with Castillo and Coronel by his side, Cuajao is determined to lead the Brigadiers back to the Final Four — an achievement that would mark a huge turnaround for a team that finished sixth last season with a 4-5 record.
