When Far Eastern University-Diliman escaped against University of the East in overtime to secure its ticket to the inaugural UAAP Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Championship last Sunday, Baby Tamaraws head coach Mark Isip went straight to the dugout.
The former pro-turned-head coach let the Baby Tamaraws savor the joy of victory all to themselves.
After all, it’s their hard work that paved the way to the final.
“Ako kasi, I’ve been there and done that,” said the 43-year-old Isip, who spent 13 long years in the PBA.
“I’ve watched them go through the aches and pains, the blood and tears. What excites me more is their reward, which is the joy of playing in the championship.”
A product of FEU, Isip was drafted as the sixth overall pick in the 2006 PBA Draft.
He played for numerous clubs, including Sta. Lucia, Coca-Cola, Rain or Shine, TNT, Barako Bull, Meralco, Petron, and Globalport.
In the PBA, he was able to experience both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
If there’s one thing he learned throughout all those years, the journey is something that should be relished.
(C) Julius Domondon/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Whatever happens, even in what I’ve gone through, it’s always the journey that is special.”
That is why he entered coaching — to give back to the next generation.
Of course, his entry point into the other side of basketball was in his home, Far Eastern University.
Isip was given the task to guide the Under-16 squad of the Baby Tamaraws.
Here, he’s able to guide kids from various parts of the country and even the sons of his former teammates like Mic Pingris, CP Miranda, and even Top Isip.
Seeing the kids turn into a cohesive unit is what brings joy to Isip.
Never mind being in the championship, for Isip, it’s about paying it forward.
(C) Julius Domondon/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“This accomplishment of theirs speaks to the hard work and preparation that all the players put into this. I expect all of them to step up when their number is called and play the game that we all love,” he said.
“For me, what’s truly special about this is seeing the reward for the players.”
And on Saturday, they will face their biggest task — taking down the mighty NUNS Bullpups.
But win or lose, Isip is already satisfied, knowing that he has helped develop the next generation of Tamaraws.
