ANDY Gemao played his first game back in the Philippines on Monday during the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) National Finals.
Gemao suited up for Fil-Am Nation USA, which picked up a 106-51 win over Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas in the seeding round.
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Gemao had 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and five steals as he teamed up with former Gilas Youth members Caelum Harris and Jacob Bayla in the blowout victory.
The 18-year-old said he treated the game like any other, almost exactly a year after guiding the Letran Squires to the NCAA Season 98 crown last March 16, 2023.
“Masaya na nakalaro uli dito sa NBTC,” said Gemao, who played in last year’s NBTC All-Star Game.
“Normal lang. Siguro mag-aadjust muna. Kararating ko lang dito sa Manila last midnight tapos bago ‘yung teammates ko. Siguro familiarity lang and build ng chemistry.”
Following his stint with Letran, Gemao moved to Veritas Academy National Prep in California to play high school ball, which he said is his primary focus.
“May senior year pa ako,” said Gemao.
Memorable Gemao experience
Another memorable experience for the high-flyer was the Basketball Without Borders, where he was invited to train and play alongside some of the best prospects in the world during a camp held during the recent NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis.
Only two other Filipinos - Kai Sotto and AJ Edu - have been invited to the BWB camp and Gemao is keen to apply what he learned from the dream stint.
“Marami akong natutunan lalo na sa pag-adjust quickly sa mga teammates ko. ‘Yun din ‘yung inii-strive ko na gawin dito in one or two games,” said Gemao.
Having built a name for himself in his young career, Gemao said he is also expecting defenders to be a lot more physical when guarding him.
“Okay lang. Adjust muna. Hindi ko sinasabi na play safe ako. Gamitin ko ‘yung utak ko sa paglalaro,” said Gemao.
Gemao said he will also use this trip to visit friends as well as his former team which coincidentally is playing for the championship against Perpetual Help for the Season 99 juniors crown.
“Manonood ako,” said Gemao, when asked if he will watch Game Two of the finals, a possible title clincher for the Squires.
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