A young Filipino basketball prodigy is silently etching his name in the annals of Philippine basketball history.
Sixteen-year-old Josh Ples has embarked on a journey of self-improvement and ambition, breaking new ground as he aspires to make his mark in Europe’s top-flight leagues.
Ples recently found himself at the doors of the prestigious Rising Stars program at the Pau Gasol Academy in Barcelona, Spain.
Armed with lofty dreams and a towering 6-foot-6 frame, Ples aims to become the second homegrown Filipino player to grace the courts of Europe’s premier basketball leagues after Juan Gomez de Liano.
The journey began when Ples, a sweet-shooting swingman fresh out of Grade 10 at San Beda High School, decided to follow a distinct path.
While many of his ‘seniors’ like Japeth Aguilar, Kobe Paras, and Kai Sotto opted for the United States’ basketball avenues, Ples charted a different course.
His resolve brought him to the Pau Gasol Academy, a hallowed ground for young talents, where he immersed himself in an intensive training camp.
For six days in July, Ples absorbed invaluable wisdom from renowned European coaches.
His passion and dedication resonated with the academy’s founder, the legendary Pau Gasol, who graced the camp with his presence and shared his wisdom with the aspiring players.
Ples recounted his awe at receiving the invitation to the academy to the Daily Tribune, saying, “My dad sent my highlights to the Pau Gasol Academy. They liked it, and that’s how I got invited. I was flabbergasted.”
The allure of the European game quickly captured Ples’ heart. He describes it as a “fast game,” one that emphasizes growth over ostentation.
“I really love European games because it helps me improve myself. In the US, it’s much more for show, but in Europe, it’s all about improvement,” Ples explained.
Ples bared that he is leveraging his time at the Pau Gasol Academy to attract the attention of coaches from the Liga ACB in Spain, a stepping stone towards his ultimate dream: the NBA.
