Young Rob Celiz has been making waves so far in the UAAP Season 86 Junior High School Basketball Tournament.
In the two games played, the 16-year-old guard has been putting up standout numbers: 20.0 points on 63-percent shooting from deep, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
He is just grateful that he, along with his batchmates, has been given an avenue by the UAAP to showcase their talents and play in an organized setting at an early age.
“Siyempre sobrang saya kasi sobrang suwerte namin na makapaglaro dito sa UAAP ng ganitong edad,” he said.
His game, though, bears a resemblance to someone.
It’s none other than his dad, Robby, a former NU Bulldog himself.
“Parang it runs in the blood. Parang yung tatay, same sila. Grabe yung offense nila,” said Bullpups mentor Kevin De Castro.
“Yun lang questionable yung depensa,” the young head coach quipped.
Robby, who is playing for MPBL team Nueva Ecija, has been constantly watching the games.
Working on his defense is something that even Rob’s dad is telling him to do.
“Lagi silang nanonood. Tapos lagi niya sinasabi, magtrabaho lang ako,” shared Rob.
One day, young Rob hopes to upstage what his father has accomplished.
Robby was the 17th overall pick in the 2013 PBA Draft and spent four years in the Big League.
“Yun yung challenge ko sa kanya. Kung gusto mo higitan yung tatay mo, kelangan mo pagtrabahuan both offense and defense,” De Castro said.
“Sabi nga ni Coach Kev, kung gusto ko higitan yung tatay ko, kelangan ko dumepensa,” added Rob, who is just in Grade 9.
De Castro believes that Rob will have a bright future in NUNS — including when he steps on the senior high level.
“Madami tong papahirapan,” he said.
