A familiar face was in attendance when the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) faced Jose Rizal University on opening day of the NCAA Season 99 juniors basketball competition.

No less than former CSJL Squires and NCAA Season 98 juniors basketball finals MVP Andy Gemao was seated at the back of Letran’s bench to support his former team against the JRU Light Bombers. He said his team’s enthusiasm for the game might just be the key to a back-to-back championship.

“Happy ako kasi sobrang saya nila nung naglalaro sila, sobrang hyped nila ngayon. Feel ko magbaback-to-back talaga sila ngayon,” Gemao shared with GMA Regional TV News.

The Squires were off to a dominant start in their title defense, dominating the Light Bombers, 102-64.

It was a balanced attack from the Intramuros side that paved the way for their lopsided win. Six players of Coach Allen Ricardo scored in double digits with Daniel Padilla leading the way with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals.

“Proud ako kay Coach Allen (Ricardo) sa nabuong group niya ngayon, sobrang lakas,” Gemao added.

US STINT

The Iligan City native is off to Indianapolis, Indiana in the United States after receiving an invitation to join the 8th Basketball Without Borders Global camp, which is part of the NBA All-Star 2024 festivities, from February 16 to 18.

Last year, he also took part in the Basketball Without Borders Asia camp held in the United Arab Emirates.

But the highflying guard who is now playing for the Veritas Academy National Prep in California admits that there is still a lot more to improve on in his game, as well as adjusting to the US’ style of play.

“Okay naman, nag-aadjust pa sa ngayon, pero pagbubutihan ko pa,” Gemao said.

Needless to say, Gemao is thankful for the overwhelming support he continues to get from his Filipino fans, especially the NCAA community.

“Maraming salamat sa support ng mga NCAA fans. Patuloy niyo po akong suportahan sa dreams ko at pagbubutihan ko palagi,” he said.