CHICAGO - At Veritas Academy Prep in Santa Fe Springs, California, the window to incubate success is unusually short.
Two years.
And once a player, who typically comes from another country, arrives at that fork in the road, there are only two ways to go. Head back home or move on to Division 1 basketball.
The Titans are led by a man who founded Veritas five years ago, George Zedan. Per Gabe Zaldivar of En Fuego, coach George has mentored 80 kids who have "gone on to play for Division 1 programs."
Through his prior AAU affiliations, coach George had three players make it to the NBA -- Nico Mannion (Warriors) Cassius Stanley (Pistons/Pacers) and Josh Green (Mavericks).
READ Squires coach believes Andy Gemao can soar in US Division I
Maximizing his potential, and perhaps scaling the NBA, is the carrot that lured former Letran high school star Andy Gemao to Veritas Prep and under the wings of coach Zedan.
And if you think chasing dreams in the US is a bed of roses, consider the punishing self-isolation.
"These kids are going through school and rigorous training for years without getting a hug from mom or a pat in the back from a sibling," Zaldivar wrote.
THE REWARDS, THOUGH, ARE WORTH THE SACRIFICE.
"Success on the court could open doors for them and their families that could last a lifetime," coach Zedan noted.
So far, Andy has measured up to the challenge. Not only has the 6-foot, 180-pound guard cracked the regular rotation, he has done well when given precious playing time.
He dropped 6 points, 3 assists and 2 steals versus Orangeville Prep last December 14. Two days later Gemao scattered 7 rebounds and 7 points on 3-of-8 shooting from the field against Brewster Academy.
Gemao's basketball journey is still navigating the early chapters so it's too early to speculate on what ending destiny has in store.
But when reporter Japheth Bandi interviewed him two days ago at the All-Star Weekend festivities in Indianapolis, it was apparent that Gemao had kept an open mind.
"I'm still looking for other options, but if I can, I'm staying with Veritas."
NO PLACE LIKE HOME?
An option to take his talents back to the Philippines is also on the table. After all, it was there where his star shone, winning Finals MVP while leading the Squires to the NCAA Season 98 juniors title last March.
"Yeah, if nothing is really going on here, yeah," he added.
Fortunately, plenty is going on in Gemao's hoops life.
He was a participant at the NBA's Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Camp, the third Filipino after AJ Edu and Kai Sotto to get an invite to the annual event.
And then it's back to Veritas Academy where they are set to compete in more leagues.
That's how hectic Andy Gemao's schedule is.
But then again, dreams never sleep.
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