SEABA U16 stars reunite at Zobel

MANILA, Philippines -  SEABA U16 standouts R. C. Calimag, Raven Cortez and Migs Pascual are back together with the La Salle Zobel juniors varsity, joining forces to elevate their game as they look forward to a bright career as student athletes.

Calimag, 16, Cortez, 14 and Pascual, 15 saw action on the unbeaten Philippine team that took the SEABA U16 title here recently. Calimag was the squad’s leading scorer with a 15.3 average and led the tournament in field goal accuracy at 54.5 percent. Cortez averaged 9.8 points and shot a lofty 73 percent from the floor but failed to make the cut-off for the overall standings as he had less than eight attempts a game. He compiled 19 rebounds, six assists and 10 steals in four outings. Pascual averaged 5.3 points with 13 rebounds and 16 assists.

Calimag’s father Ricky played nine years in the PBA up to 2012 and now works in Los Angeles with freight forwarder Imerex. The oldest of three children, the 6-1 Calimag said his father used to take him to PBA practice when he was eight. “My dad was my biggest influence,” said Calimag. “He taught me everything. I played in the SBP Milo and Small Basketeers then went to San Beda high school where I was in team B under coach J. B. Sison. I was invited to join Zobel by coach Boris (Aldeguer) and assistant coach Warren (Capitan). I’ll be in Grade 11 this schoolyear.”

Calimag said he dreams of someday playing in the PBA. “I want to do what my dad did,” he said. “My dad played for the Philippine team and in the PBA, once shot 10 of 10 field goals. He’s my idol. Two years ago, I spent three months with him in L. A. during summer. He took me to the gym and we played pick-up games. I play two or three so I’m different from my dad who was a power forward and an enforcer. My priority in school is my studies. I want to be a good example to my brother Richie and sister Alex. When the UAAP season begins, I hope my dad can come over to watch me play.”

Cortez shot up to 6-7 in three years and is still growing. He was 5-9 in Grade 5 and is an incoming Grade 9 student. Cortez made his UAAP juniors debut with Zobel last season. He lives with mother Rona and sister Rian near Zobel in Alabang. His father Rodel, who’s 6-2, stays in Dagupan. Cortez said the exposure in the SEABA U16 tournament will go a long way.

“In SEABA, I played four with Kai (Sotto) at five but in the UAAP, we’ll be matched up against each other,” said Cortez. “Kai and I respect each other. We’re good friends off the court but if we play against each other, it’s a different story on the court. I’m trying to develop my perimeter game. I see myself playing more like Japeth Aguilar than JuneMar Fajardo since I do more face-ups than post-ups.”

Pascual was with Calimag in the San Beda team B juniors and will play for Zobel as a Grade 10 student. “I’m grateful to San Beda for my foundation,” he said. “I know San Beda has developed a lot of great guards like Frankie Lim, Ronnie Magsanoc, Eric Altamirano and Baser Amer. As a point guard, my primary role is to set up my teammates. I know the importance of communication since my responsibility is to lead my teammates on the floor.”

Pascual’s father Edmon said his son started to play when he was three years old. “He’s always had a point guard mentality,” said his father. “Even when Migs was a boy, he liked to handle the ball, be a facilitator and play like a coach with good vision.” An only child, Pascual benefits from his father’s full attention as a mentor.

Aldeguer said even as the UAAP juniors season won’t start until November, Zobel is now practicing and playing tune-ups. “We’re excited about the coming season,” he said. “So far, we’ve played tune-ups with Perpetual, Ateneo de Davao and the Pampanga selection. We practice Monday to Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. and sometimes from 5 to 7 p.m. What we like about our players is not only their ability to play at a high level but also their commitment to do well in their studies.”

Aldeguer said Calimag, Cortez and Pascual will play key roles with the Archers. “Migs is like Aljun Melecio in terms of scoring ability and Jeric Fortuna in terms of playmaking and strength,” he said. “Raven is a gifted athlete. At 14, he’s already holding his own against players who are 18 or 19. He’s quick, athletic and can dribble from end to end. He was in Grade 7 at La Salle Greenhills before moving to Zobel. R. C. is a slasher and scorer. He’ll blossom in our designated triangle system which is a little different from the traditional triangle in that players are given specific positions. All three are special. They were invited by coach Mike (Oliver) and coach Mac (Abulucion) to join the SEABA U16 tryouts. There were over 30 players to begin with. Then, the pool was cut to 14 before finally to 12.”