The National Basketball Association (NBA) is about to start its playoff matches. In the Philippines, however, basketball remains in the doldrums since the Covid-19 pandemic is showing no signs of stopping.
The Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status over Metro Manila and nearby provinces is about to end on 18 August 2020. According to the initial study of some experts based on the data gathered during the first week of the MECQ, they observed a reduction in the R-naught from 1.4 prior to the MECQ to around 1.18 after the first week of the MECQ. This shows that the lockdown helped in curbing the rate of transmission. We truly hope that they are right so that businesses will return to their pre-Covid operations.
For basketball, there's still no words from the Philippine Bastketball Association (PBA) or the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) as to when they can resume their matches. To recall, there are only four (4) teams remaining in the MPBL who are disputing the National Championship Trophy. Hopefully, the situation in our country improves so that the champion of the Lakan Cup season can already be determined.
On another note, we feature another aspirant who wants to become an MPBL player someday. If you are new to our blog, please like our Facebook and Twitter page.
15-year old Raeuly Dan Tolentino started playing his favorite sport of basketball at the early age of seven (7). Just like in many provinces in the Philippines, his uncle built an improvised court using a ring attached to a mango tree so that he and his friends can have fun and play. At that time, playing basketball was just a hobby.
When he returned to their house in Bulacan, he continued to play basketball. In fact, one of his friends encouraged him to play in a basketball court near their house.
"I really don't know how to play that much in that time, but it makes a smile in my face every time I play the sport, said Raeuly Dan Tolentino in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy."
His family moved again to another house after several years. Fortunately, their new home was located near a basketball court. As expected, he would see children like him playing at the basketball court every single day. At one point, he was asked to join a game. Raeuly Dan Tolentino, however, was a little bit shy to play with his peers at that time since he was not that confident with his basketball skills and he was a new kid in the block.
His love affair with basketball began to blossom when his friends would regularly visit him every morning or afternoon to play basketball. His passion for basketball grew even further because of his father who always watched a PBA game. Seeing his idol Jimmy Alapag play on TV, he dreamt of becoming a professional basketball player someday.
"I admire the legend, Jimmy Alapag, because he was so great in basketball and I want to be like him. He leads his team through the tough and brightest moments and of course, he's a light-out shooter. I was a huge fan of his team, the TNT Ka'Tropa and I will tune in just to see him play, shared Raeuly Dan Tolentino ."
Raeuly Dan Tolentino got the chance at the age of 10 to join for the very first time an organized league in their subdivision. During the games, he was so pressured and nervous because they were pitted against much taller players- a David versus Goliath moment.
Being a rookie, he only received limited playing time of two (2) to three (3) minutes per game. Instead of being discouraged, such experience became an impetus for him to work harder. He established a good work ethic by going to the court everyday to improve his shooting and dribbling skills. He also started practicing using his weak hand to become unpredictable when handling the ball.
At the age of 12, he was selected as one of the players representing their subdivision in a tournament against other subdivisions. It was he first league that Raeuly Dan Tolentino played outside of his home.
"I would say that it was fun and I gained a ton of experience. I think I averaged about three points per game and three rebounds per game, but hey, at least I'm improving."
A year later, he joined Passion Basketball PH, a training camp near his city which organized a tournament for its participants at the end of each year. Raeuly Dan Tolentino joined the U17 division which gave him the chance to test his skills. While he didn't know what to do at that time, he was fortunate that his teammates were willing to help him.
All in all, the training gave him a boost. Not only did he improve his skills, the coaches in the said basketball camp also taught him the right attitude and manners.
With much dedication to his craft, Raeuly Dan Tolentino became part of Passion Basketball Elite program at the age of 14 years. The said program gave him the opportunity to compete in bigger and much competitive league such as the Milcu Sports Basketball presented by Got Skills inter club.
"My dreams were slowly coming to reality because I know for myself that I have learned many things."
At present, Raeuly Dan Tolentino stands at 169 cm or around 5'7" and he wants to grow taller to hopefully reach his dream height of 6'2. He knows that having a height of at least 6'2 is a big advantage in the sport of basketball. But even if he does not grow that tall, he thinks hard work can compensate for height.
"I know nothing can drag me down at getting my dreams. Daig ng masipag at determinado ang magaling na tamad."
We couldn't agree more. Height is indeed might in basketball but we should not ignore the fact that there are short basketball players who excelled in the NBA- the most prestigious basketball league in the world.
Does the name Spud Webb ring a bell? We all know that Spud Webb is just 5'7 but he became an NBA slam dunk champion. Who would have thought that he can make it into the NBA, much less become a slam dunk king. It was just pretty amazing.
All in all, Spud Webb had a fruitful NBA career from 1985 to 1998. To this day, he remains a reminder that small people can achieve their dreams as long as they put much work into it.
You might also want to read the story of other MPBL Aspirants:
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