LSGH's Lao vows to improve after title conquest

MANILA, Philippines – One of the promising point guards out of National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 93 juniors champion La Salle-Greenhills (LSGH) is Jacob Lao.

The 17-year-old Lao will leave high school with a memorable year after becoming part of the Baby Blazers’ first NCAA title run. He is preparing for his next step when he goes to college to study a business-related course and pursue his basketball career.

“I learned how to become a dedicated person in improving my craft. I played with a lot of heart in high school and I’m happy to be part of this championship. I think playing in college is challenging but I’m ready to play anywhere, wherever the opportunity comes,” said the combo guard Lao, who idolizes Jeff Chan and Kobe Bryant.

Averaging 4.5 points in 18 games, Lao came up with eight points to back up Joshua David’s 27 points and Joel Cagulangan’s 19 points. The trio led De La Salle Greenhills to a slim 75-74 win over Mapua last Friday in a sudden-death Game Three finals for the school’s first ever NCAA championship.

 “In my junior years, I learned the importance of teamwork and perseverance,” added Lao. “I’m hoping I can use this high school experience when I play in college. Right now, I’m working very hard to improve my speed, ball handling, passing, shooting and defensive ability,” he added.

Anton “Brody” Brodette, the assistant coach of La Salle-Greenhills, believes the 5’8 Lao has what it takes to become an effective leader on the floor because of his leadership, skills and high basketball IQ despite being small.

“The kid is a fighter. He (Lao) doesn’t like to give up and I think he’s going to be a big asset to any team in college,” said Brodette, who was Lao’s first coach in La Salle high school. “He is also an excellent defender and very coachable. He can play the 1-2 spot for sure.”

After losing five of their last six games in the elimination round to post an 11-7 win-loss record, the Baby Blazers knocked off San Sebastian, 108-82, in a sudden-death for the last spot in the Final Four. They also overcame the twice-to-beat advantage of San Beda by beating them twice in the series to reach the finals.

They beat the Red Cubs in first game (83-72) and then in triple overtime (110-108) in the do-or-die match before arranging the best-of-three championship series with Mapua.