Jerwin Gaco hasn’t yet stopped being a lucky charm after all.
Gaco’s on a championship high again after four years, as the Go for Gold Scratchers have copped the 2018 PBA D-League Foundation Cup title at the expense of Che’lu Revellers – his first-ever title in the developmental league.
“Lucky charm ako eh, siyempre,” quipped the veteran.
From copping UAAP gold with the De La Salle Green Archers in Season 67 to winning seven titles with Harbour Centre in the Philippine Basketball League, Gaco really has a knack for collecting titles since his amateur days.
And his championship collection grew even more when he turned pro. Gaco struck gold in the ASEAN Basketball League with the Philippine Patriots back in the regional pro league’s inaugural season in 2009.
And who could forget the five titles the 6-foot-3 forward enjoyed with the Purefoods franchise in the PBA, including a rare Grand Slam feat by the Tim Cone-mentored San Mig Coffee Mixers back in the 2013-2014 season?
“Siyempre, kumpleto na ‘yung ano ko,” said Gaco. “Meron ako sa PBA, sa PBL, sa ABL, tapos ngayon D-League. Ang sarap sa feeling kasi first time mo mag-champion sa D-League.
“Tapos mga kasama ko sobrang special.”
Gaco is obviously not getting any younger. At 37 years of age, he could actually considered as in the twilight of his illustrious career. But Gaco assured that his D-League championship won’t be the last title he’ll ever win.
“Hangga’t kaya pa. Hangga’t ‘di pa sumasakit ang tuhod ko,” he shared.
As the D-League’s season has now come to an end, Gaco is shifting his full focus to Imus Bandera in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League. Will he be hoisting an MPBL championship soon, Gaco was asked.
“Kakayanin naman,” he declared. “One game at a time. Maganda naman team namin.”
