BUDDING high school star Steve Nash Enriquez is dedicating every game he will be playing in from here on to his grandfather, PBA pioneer Alfredo Enriquez, who passed away on Friday morning after a long battle with liver cancer.
The elder Enriquez was a 5-foot-8 cat-quick guard who played in the PBA during its inaugural season way back in 1975. He suited up for 7-Up and ended his brief pro career with Filmanbank in 1979.
His career numbers of 5.1 points in 142 games may not have stood out but his all-out hustle endeared him to fans.
He was also the father of the late Cebuano basketball great Woodraw Enriquez, who passed away in January of 2015 due to complications from a cervical spine injury he suffered in a game versus the Alaska Aces.
Enriquez was a big influence to his grandson's basketball career.
“He has had a great impact on my career. In all my achievements, he was always there to push me to never give up until I reach my dreams,” said Enriquez whose was named after the former two-time NBA MVP by none other than his grandfather.
More than basketball, the National University Bullpups recruit remembers his grandfather as a very likable chap who always found a way to make everyone laugh.
“I will never forget the times we bonded. He was very fond of making people laugh. And he also had a very nice singing voice. Most of all, he always reminded all of us to keep our feet on the ground,” Enriquez said.
The younger Enriquez said that he will work even harder as he knows that’s what his grandfather expects from him.
“I’ll honor him in every game I play in,” he said.
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