The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has changed the plans of a lot of student-athletes.
For collegiate events like basketball and volleyball, which have pro leagues, some student-athletes have decided to forgo their “senior” years to turn professional.
It’s not just college student-athletes who have had to make big decisions. Grade 12 seniors were also unable to showcase themselves in hopes of getting a college scholarship.
This is the scenario that the children of Eddie Laure face. His daughters EJ and Eya can opt to turn pro. Meanwhile, his son Echo was not able to showcase himself during his senior year.
Eddie, who is the head coach of VisMin Super Cup team Roxas, revealed that his 6-foot-5 son has gotten interest from two schools — National University and Ateneo.
“Bale si Echo, kinakausap kami dati ng Ateneo at NU,” said Eddie about his son.
Echo averaged 3.27 points and 3.36 rebounds per game during his Grade 11 year, playing behind Kevin Quiambao and Carl Tamayo.
“Sa ngayon, nandito siya kasama ko [dito sa Dipolog]. Kung sino ang magpaparamdam, okay naman kami maghintay.”
Regarding his daughters, Eddie shared that both EJ and Eya are leaning towards staying with University of Santo Tomas.
Both EJ and Eya are already contracted with PVL team Chery Tiggo.
However, the University Athletic Association of the Philippines does not allow its student-athletes to play in pro leagues even if he or she obtains a special guest license from the Games and Amusements Board. The only exception to the UAAP rule is if the student-athletes will play for a national team or a school-based squad in the pros.
EJ, 23, still has a year of eligibility left. On the other hand, Eya, 22, still has three.
“Mag-stay pa rin sila sa UST,” said Eddie.
Eddie assured Chery Tiggo that his daughters will immediately suit up for them once they graduate, though.
“Grabe naman mag-alaga sila Sir Rommel [Sytin] kaya hindi na sila mag-iisip na sumali sa ibang team.”
The decisions of EJ, Eya, and Echo can change on any given day, however. Whatever their decision is, Eddie will support them and give some input.
“Kung anuman maging desisyon nila, susuportahan namin sila. Nandito naman kami para gabayan sila.”
