Showing their basketball prowess in the international arena, four Ilonggo players are now making a name in Auckland, New Zealand.

Following their successful stints in their respective teams in the Philippines, the cagers are proving that they are one tough team to beat in the tournament.

Bannering the South Papakura and Amigos teams, Jay Dan De los Santos, John Angelo Robejes, Earl John Lisbo and Agapito Clarito Jr. are happy to share the Ilonggo skills to other teams and teammates.

The 28-year-old De los Santos, a native of Mandurriao, Iloilo City served as coach in the University of San Agustin (USA).

“Since I was 7 years old at Sta. Maria Catholic School known as Ateneo De Iloilo-SMCS, I played basketball and represented the school in inter-school league. My coaches Joan and Jophil taught me, not just basketball but in life and personalidad bilang isa ka player and student,” he shared.

From being a player, he also served as coach of USA, with the intent to share his abilities and mentor young aspiring cagers.

“When I start coaching, I want my players to be successful not only in basketball but to be champions in their life, using basketball as their stepping stone to have a scholarship and study in a best universities,” de Los Santos added.

For de Los Santos, seeing more Ilonggos showcasing their skills while playing healthy competition is what makes them good at the court. “To the aspiring athletes, practice hard and if your coaches/trainers correct you during practice or games hindi man na para sa ila, para na sa imo kag maging coachable kamo na players.”

On the other hand, at 27, Robejes said playing in New Zealand is like playing in the Philippines. “When it comes to differences, I guess it seems the same. Negative and positive attitudes of co- players, opponents, officials are common factors of either winning or losing the game,” he said.

Living in New Zealand for six years with wife Julie Pearl, Robejes said they worked hard and ventured into many opportunities, the reason why they have now agencies for student visas and working visas – Ideal Visa Consultancy and Paragons Visa Consultancy.

The former star of Bethany Life Center Academy, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, and University of San Agustin works as a tower painter while enjoying his first sport. “I want to play both in PH and NZ. But because I have my job here, I am happy being with my family and being financially settled and the same time continue playing while bringing the names of my alma maters.

Robejes joined the league to enjoy after working whole week, to gain friends, and remain healthy.

“In the Philippines, I was a student- athlete from Bethany Life Center – John B. Lacson and then University of San Agustin. Basketball completed my being. I’ve been through a lot just because of basketball. I almost died. But basketball taught me a lot. That is not to give up, learn to accept defeats and mostly, enjoy celebrating triumphs with a humble heart,” he narrated.

With the ongoing leagues, Robejes said he looks forward to come back strong again with the team and for more championships to win.

“Don’t be afraid if your teams are underdogs, be positive and take it as a challenge. Just play with a good mind set. And to my fellow student-athletes in PH, balance your academics and basketball well. The main goal is to be able finish your studies,” he disclosed.

As the third Ilonggo hotshot who played for the team, 24-year-old Lisbo is a pride of Mandurriao. He grew up in Bacolod and played for USA and Centro Escolar University. Before seeing actions abroad, Lisbo also starred in various local tournaments and led his team to many championship titles.

“I was very happy nga nalab-ot ko ni nga lugar with the help of Boss Manang and Migo Jan2. It’s because ga earn ako kag maka help sa akon nga family, at the same time ga enjoy ako playing basketball during the days nga wala work. In a new country and diri ko nakita nga ang basketball isa ka way nga maka meet sang madamo nga migo,” Lisbo shared.

For Clarito, who joined in NZ just recently through the help of Robejes, he said the new environment allows him to explore more opportunities while playing the sports he loves.

The 19-year-old baller also starred the USA team before showing his formidable performance under National University.

“Dire ko sa NZ nakita nga bisan kapoy na sa work, still gina manage mag hampang basketball kung wala obra. Ang basketball naging pampaumpaw sa kakapoy after a whole week of working. Thankful gid ko kay Manang kag Bor Jan2, kay Tita Jane, sa mga help nila sa akon sa pagkadto ko dire sa NZ. Bisan ano ka budlay, wala gid sila nag give up sa pagbulig sa akon. Ga look forward gid ko nga maging successful man ako diri sa ulihi parehos sa ila and maka bulig akoNat sa family ko especially sa parents ko,” he added.

For the four Ilonggo cagers, they wanted to play with their hearts out in every game. More than the tournament, they also want to be successful as they venture into new environment with vast opportunities.IMT Sports