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Learn more about the Generals and their life outside the court.

Season 95 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was tough as far as the men's basketball team of the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals is concerned.

However, the lull in competition due to the pandemic has given the Generals enough motivation to get back on track for the upcoming Season 96.

The young squad is currently doing home workouts, individually, while waiting for team practices to resume.

Like everyone else, the Generals are marooned inside their homes throughout the quarantine period, unable to strut their skills on the hardcourt.

So with plenty of time on their hands, we reached out to the players to get to know them better and on a more personal level.

Photo by: boffasanity (IG)

The 23-year-old center only plays basketball and is not into other sports. However, JP loves to play video games and can stay put for many hours just fiddling a PlayStation 4 console.

“I can spend all day playing without getting tired of it,” he said.

But if there's one person that can distract him from videogames, it's no other than his idol, NBA superstar LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Photo by: boffasanity (IG)

“I look up to him so much that I wanted to be like him,” JP revealed

What would he ask LeBron if he has the chance to meet him in person?

“I want to know how he achieved his dreams and how he managed to be one the best basketball players in the world.”

Given his credentials, it's not surprising that Charles is one of the players expected to lift the Generals out of the doldrums.

Photo by: standoutkidd_5 (IG)

Charles had won awards, including most valuable player (MVP), while playing in San Diego in California, USA.

“I started playing at the young age of five. Pero I was playing other sports like baseball and American football,” he shared.

“Once I got to middle school, that's when I said I will just focus sa basketball. My dad was the one that helped me decide. I love the sport kasi I can be competitive on the court both mentally and physically.”

He likes spicy food, too, and Bicol express is his favorite.

Despite his competitive nature on the court, Charles is a softie who loves talking about his grandparents and parents.

Photo by: standoutkidd_5 (IG)

“My grandma would always make me laugh and would always want to watch my games whenever she had the strength to.

“My grandpa, on the other hand, always loved playing cards. So we would always play cards whenever we had the chance to.”

As for his parents, he mused, “They have taught me everything in my life into going to the pathway to success.

“They went through their hardships and still found a way to provide for our family. I look up to them and sana I can make them proud.”

On the lighter side, we asked Charles if he has a favorite local actress.

“The one and only, Anne Curtis!” he replied enthusiastically.

Photo by: elykcarlos (IG)

“My pre-game [ritual] would be eating at the hotdog stand in San Juan Arena before showing up for call time and watching some highlights and listening to my hype music,” laughed Kyle.

From playing billiards, volleyball, computer games, and even rapping occasionally - the outgoing shooting guard can be all over the place at times.

He loves Filipino hip-hop and anime, and cited The Pursuit of Happyness and Toy Story as among his favorite movies of all time.

Kyle picked Kapuso actor Rayver Cruz to portray his life story in a movie.

Photo by: elykcarlos (IG)

Don't let his jolly personality, however, deceive you. On the court, Kyle is very much focused on winning. He has the experience to back it up as he was part of the San Beda University Red Lions when the team won the championship in Season 92.

“I always pray even if we lose a game because you should have learned something from that game and pray to give you more strength to overcome it. I pray when we win because winning is always a blessing.”

Photo by: King Gurtiza (FB)

A lot will be riding on Kriss Kelly Gurtiza's shoulders when Season 96 opens.

A multi-awarded college athlete, King is a marked man as opponents will try to contain him and limit the Generals' scoring options on the floor.

Off the court, Kriss or King is an avid foodie and he mentions carbonara, pares, hamburger, and seafood as his favorite food.

Like every college player, King dreams of making it to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) someday. But he has another dream and that is to become a pilot.

As for his favorite movies, King mentions The Transporter and “all of the Fast and Furious movies.”

Photo by: King Gurtiza (FB)

His favorite actor though is not an action star but rather a comedian.

“Vic Sotto,” he replied readily when asked.

It comes as no surprise that his favorite TV show is the country's longest-running noontime show hosted by his idol.

“Eat Bulaga! [is my favorite show] because they help and they make a lot of people happy.”

Photo by: Marwin Casaljay Taywan (FB)

“Adobong sitaw,” Marwin replied when asked about his favorite food.

While his favorite food is not the kind you'd usually hear from his peers, the speedy point guard, like everyone else, dreams of playing in the PBA in the future.

He has extra motivation to do well in life and achieve his childhood dream.

“Becoming a father is a defining moment in my life,” he proudly revealed, mentioning the challenges and fulfillment that comes with the role of being a young parent.

Marwin has been working very hard throughout the pandemic to provide for his family.

A glance at his Facebook page and you'll see pictures of Marwin selling street food items in their area for extra cash.

When not preoccupied with his hustle, school, family, and basketball, Marwin loves to relax by listening to Chris Brown, Orange & Lemons, and December Avenue.

Photo by: Marwin Casaljay Taywan (FB)

He loves to watch Kapuso shows too, mentioning Eat Bulaga as his favorite show and Dingdong Dantes as his favorite actor.

Tough both on and off the court, Marwin's motto in life pretty much sums up his entire character.

“Always trust yourself.”

Will the EAC Generals trust each other on the court and find ways to win as a team in Season 96? Find out as the NCAA airs soon on GMA News TV and other Kapuso platforms including GMA Pinoy TV for viewers living abroad.