Overtime

“IN PH, BASKETBALL IS FOOD ON TABLE,” SAYS UP COACH PERASOL TO FIL-AM PLAYERS

As part of the Fil-Am Nation Select's Building the Bridge program, University of the Philippines (UP) head coach Bo Perasol shared to aspiring US-based Filipino players to take their talents in the country.

/ 25 December 2020

Fil-Am Nation Select is a private showcase initiated by the Alex Cabagnot-led organization in the States with high concentrations of America-based players with Filipino lineage where the elite are invited to a summit where Philippine coaches can see them.

Currently, the program holds regional camps in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hawaii.

In a virtual talk earlier this week, head coach Perasol was among the speakers who shared a few words with the participants.

The seasoned coach shared technicalities of the gameplay and as well as Filipino mentality towards playing Basketball.

Moreover, he also averred that playing Basketball in the Philippines is not only about fulfilling one’s passion but can be a way for livelihood.

“There’s going to be a lot of things to consider. You’re going to be in a place where basketball is a livelihood. This isn’t just a hobby, not just a sport, it is food,” he propounded. 

“5-on-5 here is like scrambling for a plate of food, fighting for the family, for the future,” coach Perasol added.

Not only that, but shared his on-hand experience with regards to Fil-Am players and how he honed them. Such as the likes of Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, Adrian Wong for Ateneo to play in PBA.

“There are a lot of you I’ve seen years ago and thought, ‘This guy is going to be a game-changer.’ Then, I bring them here, [and] two weeks later, ‘What happened to you? Where is that game?'” he shared.

“The one thing that’s going to be a hurdle for you is mindset. A lot of things are going to be in your mind. You’re away from your loved ones,” coach Perasol concluded.

Also featured in the virtual talk as guest speakers where San Beda University team manager Jude Roque, EMBM agent Marvin Espiritu, Agent of Virtual and Alab Pilipinas Charlie Dy, Ateneo head coach and Gilas Program Director Coach Tab Baldwin, and Bacolod master team manager Paul San Jose