Kurt Russelle B. Sunga is a 22-year old 5'10 guard for the Centro Escolar University (CEU) Scorpions who aspires to be a professional basketball player one day. He was born in Balic-Balic, Manila where he grew up before his family transferred to Laguna.
It was also in Balic-Balic where he was introduced to the beautiful game of basketball by his older brothers. At that time, the half-court in his neighborhood became not only his playground but also his training ground.
"Laking Balic-Balic ako dati. Hindi pa ako ganun ka interesado noon sa basketball ang alam ko pang mga laro nun is yung mga larong kalye lang. Until dumating yung time na may mga kuya ako sa amin na sinimulan nila akong turuan ng Basic Basketball. Uso kasi pag sa Manila half court kaya doon sa halfcourt na yun doon ako unang naka hawak ng bola, doon ko inumpisahan ang buhay Basketball ko," said Kurt in an interview with I'm a Baller Reload facebook page.
He was, however, a little bit disappointed when his family moved to Laguna. Being a kid in an unfamiliar environment, Kurt Sunga was somehow saddened since he had no playmates whom he could play basketball with, unlike in Manila where you have many kids playing in the streets. But as fate would have it, Kurt fell in love with basketball even more in Laguna.
"Dumating yung araw na lumipat ang pamilya ko dito sa Laguna. Sobra kong nalungkot noong time na yun, kasi lalabas ka ng bahay walang tao, hindi katulad pag nasa manila ka pag labas mo palang parang dami na naglalaro. So ayun dinala ako ni papa sa mga lolo ko and may whole court doon, nanonood lang ako dati sa mga naglalaro hindi ko namamalayan doon na pala mag i-start na maiinlove ako ng tuluyan sa basketball," added Kurt Sunga.
With much enthusiasm, Kurt Sunga bought his first basketball so he can hone his shooting skills. Luckily, his father was also a fan of basketball who became as one of his biggest supporters. Whenever his father play, Kurt would watch the game and it was at these moments that he became inspired to play competitive basketball. His father would later support his dream of becoming a professional basketball player by enrolling him in basketball clinics in their locality.
"Halos araw araw ko ng pinapanood yung mga idol ko sa lugar namin bukod pa sa papa ko kc sya ang numero unong idolo ko. Sila talaga yung naging inspiration ko bakit ko minahal ang basketball. Dahil na din sa pagkahilig ni papa sa paglalaro, siya din mismo yung nag push sa akin para mas matuto pa. Kahit sa mga clinic sa mga bayan bayan isinasli niya ako at sinasamahan talaga ako. Dahil na din sa pagkahilig ni papa sa paglalaro, siya din mismo yung nag push sa akin para mas matuto pa. Kahit sa mga clinic sa mga bayan bayan isinasli niya ako at sinasamahan talaga ako," recalled Kurt Sunga.
Kurt Sunga later participated in a basketball league organized by their barangay. It was his very first league competition and he was very much excited to play. However, his excitement fizzled after he was benched most of the time. Be that as it may, his miniscule playing time motivated him to practice harder and sharpen his skills.
Little by little, Kurt Sunga was able to improve his game. This allowed him to earn more playing time until he became more competitive to the point that his brothers and those he used to watch became his teammates, and sometimes his competitors.
"Naranasan ko unang liga ko bangko ako, Ligang baranggay noon yun. Parang dun ako nainis na bat ako bangko mga ganun na katanungan sa sarili ko. Pero ang ginawa ko nalang is mas nagtrabaho ako, nagpalakas pa at baka kulang pa kung ano ang meron ako. And after ng year na yon, ginamit na din ako hanggang nagtuloy tuloy na and dumating din sa point na yung mga kuya ko na pinapanood ko lang dati dito samin ay nakakalaban at nagiging kakampi ko na rin. Yun yung masarap don, kasi parang nagbunga yung sakripisyo at mga paglalaro ko lagi kahit tirik na tirik ang araw," Kurt Sunga explained.
Kurt's stint in barangay leagues gave him confidence to tryout with the basketball team of his school. Fortunately for him, he was accepted into the varsity team of his school and he was given the opportunity to represent his school in various competition. Being a member of his school's varsity team also gave him the opportunity to further develop and the discipline to balance athletics with his academics.
Kurt Sunga subsequently took his chance to tryout with the varsity team of the University of Perpetual in Biñan City. Again, he was accepted into the program which proved to be more difficult than what he expected it to be.
"Doon ko na realized na hndi pa sapat kung anong meron ako at mas kailangan pang mag trabaho kasi ang lalaki at ang gagaling ng mga kasabayan ko dun. Kailangan ko pa i-improve yung sarili ko. Dun ako nakaranas na sa isang araw minsan 2 or 3 ang laro nyo kaya kailangan talaga yung body mo is condition."
After playing for a year with the University of Perpetual Biñan, Kurt transferred to the Philippine Merchant Marine School (PMMS) where he was given the chance to play in the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA). It was also in PMMS where he experienced practicing day and night to stay fit and sharp. While it had been very challenging for him, Kurt cherished the experienced he gained which strengthened him to pursue his dream.
"Doon umaga at gabi puro pag papalakas lang ginagawa ng mga players, para sa team at sa lahat bawal huminto sa pangarap yun ang pinaka tumatak sa akin. Walang imposible pag gusto mo ang isang bagay at sobrang dami kong natutunan sa PMMS pero ang pinaka dinala ko sa Basketball Journey ko ay wag na wag kang sumuko sa gusto mo, kahit pagod ka na ipupush ka parin. And laging nandon yung pinapaalala samin na mag bubunga din lahat ng pag hihirap namin."
Kurt later jumped ship to Centro Escolar University (CEU) which also compete in the NCRAA. It was a good move for him as he was able to play in the Philippine Basketball Association Developmental League (PBA D-League), something he already considers an achievement.
Kurt's basketball journey is just beginning. He won't stop until he fulfills his lifelong dream of playing in the PBA or the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). For his fellow dreamers, he has this to say:
"Huwag na huwag kayo magsasawa sa ginagawa niyo. Ginagawa nyo yan kasi gusto nyo. And wag kayo papayag na matatapos yung araw nyo na wala kayong nagawa pra sa sarili nyo. Wag din maniniwala sa mga tao na puro negative lang ang dala sainyo. Dun kayo sa positive. And bigyan nyo ng tyaga. Makakapunta din lahat tayo don soon!"
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