In the past few years, notable basketball players from Xavier School such as Jeron Teng, Kyles Lao, Jett Manuel and Woody Co have invaded the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
A few others like Chris Tiu, Jeric Teng, Joseph Yeo and TY Tang have even gone on to play in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
I had the opportunity to interview the recently graduated stars of Xavier’s junior basketball team, Jarrell Lim and Isaac Go, as well as its current King Stallion, Tyler Tio.
Once named the 2011 Junior NBA Alaska Youth Sports Ambassador, Jarrell is a highly-skilled 5’10” combo guard who cites GlobalPort Batang Pier’s Terrence Romeo and the Los Angeles Clippers’ Chris Paul as idols.
Chubby kid
Introduced to the sport at an early age through his dad, Barako Bull team physician John Lim, Jarrell remembers being a chubby kid who cried every time he was asked to do lateral drills.
Inspired by his grandfather who once played in the National College Athletic Association (NCAA), Jarrell recently made it to the seniors team of the University of the Philippines Maroons in the UAAP.
Jarrell’s message to younger players is simple: “Learn to choose where to spend your time because basketball really takes up a lot of yours schedule. You have all these other stuff so it’s hard to strike a balance. But if you have the drive and passion, you will find the time.”
Lazy
Meanwhile, Isaac, the towering 6’8” center, admits that he was lazy to go to practice during his early years in the game. But he decided to get serious after the prodding of elder brother Gian and when his mom enrolled him in his first basketball camp.
Isaac was still a high school freshman when he was spotted by coach Eric Altamirano, who recommended him to Olsen Racela for the RP Youth Under-16 team.
A recurring shoulder injury has prevented Isaac from playing as a rookie in the Ateneo Blue Eagles in this year’s UAAP. But he looks forward to recovering fully and keep improving his game. He also wants to play in the PBA as well as the national team.
Unforgettable moment
Although Jarrell and Isaac have graduated from Xavier, another big gun, Tyler Tio, has been bringing honor and pride to the school.
Just like his idol TY Tang, Tyler’s court moves are simple but very deadly and effective. With his ability to slash to the hoop or unleash a one-two dribble pull-up, Tyler outshines more senior high school players.
A 16-year old 6’0” swingman, Tyler was one of the 2013 Top 10 Junior NBA All-Stars selected to go to Los Angeles last year. He says his most unforgettable moment was when he met the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash. Tyler adds that he even got to shoot some hoops at the Staples Center.
“I try to be the most hardworking player. Before games, I’m usually warming up before everyone arrives. After practice, I make sure I do more than my opponents and teammates,” he says.
Xavier doesn’t grant athletic scholarships. But Jarrell, Isaac and Tyler have become who they are today through the values that the school has instilled in them—hard work, sacrifice, discipline, commitment, teamwork and time management.
And in every single game, they wear their names on their jerseys with pride—as a nod to Xavier, their respective families, and basketball.
(Before sustaining a knee injury, the author had also played for the Xavier basketball varsity team with Jarrell, Isaac and Tyler.)