Andy Gemao has big dreams.
The 16-year-old’s main goal is to play overseas. And Letran High School head coach Allen Ricardo looks to help him to that path this early in the game.
And in his first-ever NCAA Juniors Basketball game. Gemao showcased his entire arsenal, tallying 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block, with several jaw-dropping highlights.
“Talagang si Andy we’re trying to help him to go to the international level.
“Ang goal ko dito sa mga bata na to is to go to the next level, which is college, then sooner to the professional league. Siyempre as a coach yung fulfillment na makita niya yung mga players niya to the next level,” said Ricardo after the Squires win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 91-86.
Ricardo said that he wants to help Gemao reach the international level and his goal for all of his players is to move on to the next level — which is college and then eventually the professional league.
After all, the youthful mentor feels a sense of fulfillment when he sees his players reach new heights.
The 6-foot-1 athletic guard is not intimidated by the pressure from his coaches.
In fact, he is considered one of the most highly sought-after high school basketball prospects in the Philippines. He trusts Ricardo and sees the pressure as an opportunity to improve himself.
“Galing pa lang sa pagkuha niya [Ricardo] sakin, malaki na talaga trust niya. Yung pressure na pinu-put niya sakin, ayun yung negre-refine sakin,” said Gemao, who was named the best player of the game.
Gemao attributes his development to his time with the Gilas Youth program.
He says that his stint with the program boosted his confidence and allowed him to showcase his skills, even though he wasn’t used much.
“Malaki po natulong nun [Gilas stint] kasi nagpaboost po ng confidence sakin, ako po pinakabata don. Di man po ako masyadong nagamit pero na-showcase ko naman yung skills ko don.”
On Friday, Gemao will have a chance to show what he can do as his team is set to face the defending champions, San Beda Red Cubs, at 2:30 PM.
