Jahzeell Fresco started playing basketball at the tender age of three (3) after his father made him a ring at their house. As young as he was, he practically spent his free time playing basketball.
He was a grade four (4) student when he had his first taste of competitive basketball, although he was only subbed in during garbage time. He fondly remembers that her mother becomes angry whenever he gets rough treatment from older and bulkier players.
His early exposure, nonetheless, helped in his development. When he reached the sixth (6th) grade, he was selected to represent his batch in the intramurals. His basketball journey was stalled, however, when he struggled in his first three (3) years high school to crack the lineup of his varsity team.
"Pagdating ko sa high school, 1st to 3rd year wala talaga halos di ako nakasali sa high school team pero nagsisimula na ako magamit sa mga liga, said Jahzeell Fresco in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."
His big break came when he was already a fourth (4th) year high school student at Governor Ferrer Memorial National High School Buenavista Annex after he was selected as a varsity player. It wasn't as pleasant as he expected as they were consistently beaten by larger bigger schools.
In spite of the losses, his passion for basketball grew stronger. He became addicted with basketball to the point that he was always present at the basketball court from morning until the evening.
"Nagsimula na ako maadik sobra sa larong basketball, mula umaga hanggang gabi ay nasa basketball court ako. Sa umaga, hindi kami makalaro kasi andaming matatandang player so aantayin ko magtanghali siguro mga 11 ng tanghali, mag sisimula na dumating yung mga kabataan. Ayon makakalaro na kami, recalled Jahzeell Fresco."
Jahzeell Fresco had no intention to pursue basketball when he was about to enter senior high school. However, one of his friends pushed him to try out for the basketball team of the Philippine Christian University (PCU)- Dasmariñas Senior High School department. Unfortunately, he was not selected despite the good impression he made since the school apparently prioritized those who were at least 6-feet tall.
As expected, he was disheartened but his father was present to console him. Such gesture gave him the courage to work hard in pursuit of his dreams.
"Nung gabi matutulog nako then yung tatay ko sumilip sa kwarto at sinabi saken na “okay lang yan nak madami pang pagkakataon, his father told Jahzeell Fresco."
As fate would have it, a door of opportunity opened for Jahzeell Fresco. One of his friends was a varsity player at PCU so he joined their scrimmages which at that time was participated by three teams (Teams A, B, and C). Little did he know that he will soon be part of the first team.
One of the coaches saw potential in him so he was invited to join Team C. Of course, Jahzeell Fresco was very elated upon hearing the news. He repaid the trust bestowed upon him with hard work and one hundred percent attendance in team practices.
His dedication paid dividends as he was promoted to Team B in just a few weeks. A year later, he finally joined the main varsity team.
"Sobrang thankful ako kasi di nabalewala lahat ng paghihirap at sakripisyo ko. Nagsimula na din ako makapaglaro sa ibat ibang lugar noon hanggang ngayon."
Jahzeell Fresco drew strength and inspiration from his family who never failed to attend and watch his games. He reciprocated his family's support with hard work and sacrifices to ensure that he will reach his dreams.
Aside from his family, his significant other also helped him cope with all of the challenges. Coupled with his unwavering faith with the Lord, Jahzeell Fresco believes he can do great things.
"Syempre patuloy pa din akong nagpapasalamat sa Diyos dahil wala naman ako kung nasaan man ako ngayon kung di dahil sa kanya. Patuloy lang tayo maniwala at magtiwala sa plano ng Diyos para sa atin dahil wala namang plano ang Diyos na di makakabuti sa atin."
Now that his senior high school is over, Jahzeel Fresco wants to try out with big universities in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic has derailed his plan so he is staying put in PCU for another year so he remains physically fit.
"Lahat naman siguro ng mga manlalaro ay pangarap makalaro sa mga malalaking schools na nagcocompete sa NCAA or UAAP. Siguro kung walang pandemic ngayon is nagtatryout nako sa mga ibat ibang school pero dahil nga sa pandemic is nawala yung chance na yon pero tiningnan ko din yung positive side don. Ngayon is makakapag workout ako at makakapag pakundisyon ako na para pag dating ng time na pwede na magtryout is ready na ako, explained Jahzeell Fresco."
Looking further, he also wants to play professional basketball after graduating from college. If given the chance, he would like to represent either Imus or Bacoor in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) since he also hails from Cavite. Quite surprisingly, he also supports the Navotas Uni-pak Sardines team as some of his friends play there.
He is also dreaming of playing in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) just like hundred of thousands of young hoopers in the Philippines. Playing alongside his favorite players such as Marcio Lassiter and Jason Castro would be a dream come true for him.
"Si Marcio Lassiter at Jason Castro talaga yung pinaka naging idol ko sa PBA kasi sobrang simple pero grabe yung mga skills na meron sila. Sila yung mga player na nagpatunay ng kasabihan na it’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play."
Jahzeell Fresco knows the feeling of being rejected and the hard work that it takes just to enter the lineup. He therefore reminds all aspiring players that nothing is impossible if you put in all the hours and dedication to your craft. As cliche as it may sound, he emphasizes that once you fall in love with the process, the results will eventually come.
"Walang imposible sa taong nagsusumikap at nagpupursigi. Kahit na naiisip ko na pagod na ako, tinutuloy ko pa din kasi alam ko dadating yung araw na masusuklian lahat ng hardwork na ginagawa ko."
During the lockdown, Jahzeell Fresco is making sure that he remains in top shape and condition. He is doing as much training as he can so that will be game ready when basketball returns.
Just keep going young man. Your perseverance will pay dividends in the future.
You might also want to read the story of many other young MPBL aspirants.
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