Cebu’s pride LA Casinillo powers Bristol Storm to crowning glory

CEBU, Philippines — They joined the league only for exposure and gain more experience.

Yet they got more than what they wanted.

Not only that, decorated Cebuano cager Leobert Andrew “LA” Casinillo also shined the brightest of all.

The pride of Consolacion, Cebu bagged the Most Valuable Player award after powering the Bristol Storm of United Kingdom to the Under 18 crown of the Euro Youth Basketball Cup recently in Blanes, Spain.

Casinillo is the only Filipino player in the Bristol Storm lineup that also includes Tom Steel, Melech Henderson, Ilyas Abdi, Dembo Touray, Cam Allen, Jakob Pena, Kamal Gardener, Louis Depedro, Abdi Ali, Lenny Otoo, Jeff Adonis-Soto and Cam Johnson.

Under the guidance of coaches David Senart, Dan Steel and Rob Codreanu, they completed a rousing three-game sweep of CB Palafolls and Europe Basketball Academy, both of Spain, and Vilnius Basketball School of Lithuania in the elimination.

They then edged fellow UK squad Surrey Rams in the semis, 64-54, before prevailing over PHD Hoops of the United States in the sudden-death final, 68-62, to claim the coveted champion’s trophy.

“It was such a great experience to take part in this tournament as I was able to go against different people from different countries, which also means a different type of basketball. I learned a lot of new things,” said Casinillo, whose most latest feat came only a month since he helped Itchen College dominate the Elite Academy Basketball League (EABL) 3x3 National Championship in Manchester, England.

 “Being named MVP was just a bonus for me. Honestly, we came to Spain for the experience. We didn’t expect ourselves winning,” added Casinillo. “Outside basketball, we made new connections from people around the world such as USA, Finland, Spain, Sweden and many more. It was truly fun and a great experience for us.”

Back in his homeland, Casinillo has earlier committed himself to play for the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Tigers in the UAAP.

That is something he has to reflect on in the coming days.

“As of now, I’m not a 100 percent sure of where am I going but there’s options that we consider from UAAP schools,” said Casinillo, who was named MVP after leading the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles to the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) title back in 2019. “We still need to talk about it with my family.” — EBV