Band of brothers: Nalos siblings strengthens family bond with basketball

CEBU, Philippines — Brothers Joseph Airo Jr., Joseph Arth, Joseph Aron, and Joseph Ace are born to play basketball.

They inherited their genes from their father Joseph Airo Sr., who made a mark as one of the sharpest point guards during his heyday in Cebu cagedom.

Joseph Sr. saw action with the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Baby Jaguars in the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (now the CESAFI) from 1987-1990.

After a brief stint with the Jaguars in college, he transferred to the Cebu Polytechnic College (CPC) Hawks where he played for three years from 1994-1997 and became a regular in the CAAA All-Stars.

Joseph Sr. took his skills to the next level by acting as chief playmaker of commercial teams El Rancho and CPC-Fast Cargo in the Cebu Basketball League (CBL) during the late ‘90s.

His years as a competitive player may have long been over but Joseph Nalos kept on shining until now because of his four sons that did not only bear his name but also mirror his hardcourt brilliance.

“We all look up to our father. He’s our ultimate idol. He’s always with us every step of the way. We could not have reached where we are now today if not for him,” said Joseph Airo Jr.

The younger Nalos gained distinction as one of the few cagers in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) to have won a championship both in high school and college. He achieved it with the Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U) Baby Wildcats in 2009 and with the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma Cobras in 2012.

After completing his collegiate journey with the Adamson University Falcons in the UAAP, Joseph Jr. suited up for the Mindanao Aguilas and Zarks Burger in the PBA D-League.

He later moved on to Manny Pacquiao’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) with the Caloocan Supremos, Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, and Bataan Risers.

Nalos’ younger brothers are also slowly making a name in the sport closest to their heart.

Joseph Arth is currently a member of the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) high school varsity and a CESAFI All-Star guard, Joseph Aron once donned the CIT-U jersey in the CESAFI Partner’s Cup and was a member of the Talisay City Aquastars champion team in the Cebu Governor’s Cup, while Joseph Ace saw action in the Cebu City Olympics and emerged as MVP of the Metro Cebu Basketball league (MCBL) Season 1.

Joseph Jr. said the coronavirus pandemic may have halted all sporting events worldwide but the brighter side of it is that it gives them a chance to strenghten their bond as a family through basketball.

“For now, we’re all here in our hometown in Dumanjug, the place where I started playing basketball. We turned our small lot here into a mini basketball court so we can have a place to play. As athletes, we must find a way to stay fit and active during these days,” said Joseph Jr.

“I’m happy with what we are doing because we’re not only having fun, it also keeps our bond stronger than ever,” he added.

During light moments, Joseph Jr. said he shares his experience to his siblings and at the same time teach them some valuable leassons on and off the court.

“I gave them ideas on what I experienced as a player to help them prepare for the future,” said Joseph Jr. “I pushed them to work hard and have strong commitment in what they do because they will be a basketball player only once. That is why I show my all-out support to them so they will be encouraged to strive even harder.”

For what they have achieved now and about to accomplish someday, no other else is the proudest than their beloved father, their first coach and mentor.

“I am very much thankful to my sons that they were able to balance their studies and basketball. Basketball is not lifetime. What’s important is that they get a college degree,” said the Nalos patriarch. “To my eldest Joseph Jr., I hope that he will be given a better career ahead because he’s a big help to our family.”