Cebuano cager LA Casinillo continues to make waves in UK

CEBU, Philippines — Promising Cebuano cager Leobert Andrew “LA” Casinillo continued to make waves in United Kingdom, adding feather in his cap after powering Itchen College to the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL) 3x3 National Championship last May 19 at the National Basketball Performance Center in Manchester, England.

Playing alongside Damilare Adedeji, Maximillian Matthews and Tony Idiata-Mendez, Casinillo shined brightly as the seventh-ranked Itchen College outgunned the second seeded Myerscough College in the quarterfinals, 14-8, then escaped past Charnwood College in the semis that reached overtime, 12-10, before crushing Oakland College in the final, 16-11.

For the 18-year-old Casinillo, their hard work and sacrifices in joining the tough competition were worth it in the end.

“Grabi amoa giagian kay 5 a.m. momata nami and then travel four hours to the venue. Human sa eliminations, seventh place ra mi with a 5-3 record so we have to beat the No.2 seed and then sa semis naabot og overtime,”said Casinillo.

“But it was all worth it,” added the well-rounded guard from Consolacion, Cebu.

Casinillo, who was the Most Valuable Player when the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles emerged as champions of the 2019 Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) season, now braces himself for two major All-Star events.

First is the Hoops Fix All-Star Classic on May 28 at the Crystal Palace National Sports Center in London followed by the Hang Time All-Star on June 25 in Sheffield.

Hoops Fix is one of the most prestigious Under 19 hoop spectacle in UK where many players are discovered, most notable among them is Jeremy Sochan of the Baylor Bears who is a projected Top 10 pick in next month’s 2022 NBA Draft.

The Hang Time All-Star, on the other hand, is a promotional match showcasing the best U19 talents across UK.

Casinillo is the second pick and part of the 3-point shooting contest as well.

Most of all, Casinillo takes pride as the first and only Filipino baller in whole of UK to see action in both All-Star activities.

“It’s a great feeling that I was chosen to play the highest level of U19 All-Star basketball here in the UK. I’ll be sure to give it my very best and bring pride to the Philippine flag,” assured Casinillo.