A tale of two brothers

It starts out simply enough. A young boy gets bitten by the basketball bug, through a game on TV, stories from friends, a game played on his street, highlights on the news. He gets into the game, seriously, passionately, playing until nightfall, sweating through countless jerseys and shorts. He eats better, sleeps better, feels better. He has a sense of purpose, loving a game he hopes will love him back. It won’t last forever, but it gets him through the stresses of growing up. In basketball, everything is absolute. Then, seeing his transformation lights a fire in his younger brother, and soon, their passions are joined, their bond strengthened by a common love.

This is the story of millions of Filipino brothers, some of them whose names you may recognize: Cezar, Pumaren, Reyes, Patrimonio, Codiñera, Lastimosa, De Ocampo, Racela, Tiu and younger siblings like those surnamed Teng, Ravena, Nieto, Rivero. This was also my story and my brother’s, and my sons’ story. Though each brother’s tale ends differently, this will continue to be the storyline of generations to come.

A new story is now being told, of high school brothers Franzl Jacob Lao and Frans Jared Lao, whose lives may soon take divergent paths. The 5’6” Jacob is the graduating point guard of the first NCAA junior champion De La Salle Greenhills squad in school history. The Greenies survived three knockout games – including San Beda’s twice-to-beat advantage – and needed the full three games in the finals to defeat the Mapua Red Robins last November. Watching his kuya play further stoked Jared’s fire for the game further.

“I got into basketball because of my brother,” confesses the 16-year-old incoming junior, who is four inches taller. “I saw how much he loved the game.”

The two boys have been privileged to get the best training possible. Their father, Frank, owns the famous Choi Garden chain of Chinese restaurants, and has supported their passion mightily. They’ve had personalized training under renowned Ginebra skills coach Kirk Collier, and have trained alongside NBA draft prospects and NFL players in exclusive facilities in Florida in the US. Still, they both know it is not a guarantee of success. Only their hard work and continued desire for growth will be.

“They each have their own skills,” explains LSGH assistant coach Anton Brodett, who has guided the brothers for the last five years. “Jacob is a very intelligent guard. Jared has improved a lot in many areas, and has a better upside because, obviously, he’s bigger.”

The Lao siblings have also benefited from the rebirth of La Salle’s athletics program, now in younger hands, from head coach Marvin Bienvenida and Brodett, whose father, actor and director Dave, played for the San Beda Red Lions. They’ve also brought in Red Cubs champion coach Britt Reroma as consultant. Be that as it may, the boys will still determine their own future.

“I want Jared to exceed what I’ve accomplished,” says Jacob, smiling with pride. “He’s already a better player than I am.”

“I’ve always enjoyed the game, and I love learning. I don’t get tired playing; it’s fun,” adds Jared, who can play guard or small forward and is now a solid defender. “I want to bring another championship to La Salle.”

That affection also informs their relationship. Though he provides encouragement for his younger brother, Jacob also knows when to step back and let Jared learn things on his own, more so now that basketball may or may not be in the cards for him as he heads to college. Accepting the reality that players his size don’t get many offers, Jacob plans to study business here or overseas, and become his brother’s biggest cheerleader.

As Jared steps into his older brother’s shoes, the sky may be the limit, more so since he’s got a great attitude and will likely grow a few more inches. He hopes basketball will be his career, but also aims to take over the family business. In the meantime, he is adding the family name to the history of Filipino brothers whose lives have forever been changed for the better by the game of basketball.