Jed Akhiro S. Tagami is a 15-year old aspiring professional Basketball player who started playing basketball using a volleyball in a makeshift basketball court made by his uncle just beside the road. Although some people laugh at him for his unconventional beginning, he developed a genuine love for the game of basketball.
When he was just a 12-year old kid back in 2017, he usually went to the Oreta Sports Complex in Malabon City together with his uncle to practice dribbling and enhance his basketball skills. He fondly remembers borrowing basketball from other players in order to play since he did not have his own ball at that time.
Be that as it may, Jed did not lose interest in playing basketball in spite of his circumstances. Rather, he pursued his interest by playing with various kids of his age in his neighborhood even for the sake of "ice water."
One day, his aunt ask him to practice further to become part of the MBC which is a well-known group in Malabon City. Unfortunately for Jed, he was not good enough yet. Nevertheless, opportunities still knocked on his door as he was invited by his friends to create a team just in time for the 2019 summer league in their locality.
The 2019 summer league was his first time to play in a competitive game. Just like any rookies in the game of basketball, he was very nervous and anxious when he entered the court. His rookie jitters got the best of him at that time which caused him to commit several turnovers. It was not the type of basketball debut that he wanted but he was still grateful for the experience that he learned.
"It was my first ever live game and I won’t forget what happened on that specific day. I became so nervous and anxious just by looking at the crowd. Because of that, I committed a lot of errors. I even heard someone said unpleasant words,” explained Jed in a chat interview with Ligang Pinoy.
His first game was definitely an eye-opener for him. While it was not the result that he wanted, he moved on as he vowed to get better. True to his word, he trained almost every day with the aim of exceeding his goals. He later decided to quit the summer league to focus on playing in the streets which some proved to be lucky break for him as one coach noticed him and pushed him to chase his basketball dream.
For now, Jed continues to train with his uncle Anthony Raymunda and with his cousin Austin Meralles. It was definitely not an easy task for him to train but he remains committed to stay the course towards his dream of reaching the basketball's biggest stage in the Philippines.
It is also more challenging to stay fit and sharp at this time due to the pandemic. If you have already forgotten, note that basketball courts remained closed since the start of the lockdown last March 2020. It was only the professional teams such as those playing in the Philippine Basket ball Association (PBA), Philippine Volleyball Leagues (PVL), National Basketball League (NBL) and the upcoming Vismin Supercup who are allowed to practice and play.
With the exception of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), an amateur league outside of the jurisdiction of the Games and Amusement Board (GAB), the rest of amateur leagues such as the various collegiate leagues are not yet allowed to play, much less practice. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Jed is soldiering on.
"There is a pandemic but me and my friends will just keep going until we reach our dreams. We believe that someday e will also be successful basketball players," Jed added.
Jed wants to follow the footsteps of his basketball idols. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), he idolizes Kevin Durant and Derick Rose. Meanwhile, he looks up to Junmar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar as his role model in the local basketball scene. He relates to the hardship that these players went through before they reached their dream of playing in the big leagues.
"My ultimate dream is to become one of my idols Kevin Durant, Derick Rose , Junmar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar. They have always been my inspiration. I love to watched their games on tv, and meeting them in person is included in my bucket list. I know that before they become the person of what they are now, they went through a lot of struggles and difficulties in life. I know it is hard but I have the perseverance to aim and be on their position," said Jed.
Jed knows that getting into the MPBL, not to mention the PBA, is by no means a walk in the park. There are hundreds of thousands of young hopefuls who share the same dream and may even be more talented and skilled than he is. As such, he is hopeful that he will be good enough to make it into the MPBL which is arguably the second-tier basketball league in the Philippines.
Of course, Jed is mindful to keep his faith with God. He firmly believes that God will help him achieve his dream and guide him along the way.
"Don’t just give up on the dream, go ahead even if no one believes that there is a God who can guide our lives. Have hope because there is a God and we will not get tired of trusting the Lord because he will guide us so that we can reach our dream . I am happy with what I have now and I am also happy because I am one of the people who do not give up on his dream. I am also happy because many blessings have happened in my life, and more improvements are yet to come for me and for my team."
Can Jed make it to the MPBL or the PBA? He is still young so he can definitely try. As they always say, never underestimate the power of dreams.
You might also want to read the story of other aspirants:
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