BY Gwen Bergado
IT'S been said that the fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree - and these fathers and sons are living proof to just that.
In the ongoing UAAP Season 87 boys’ basketball tournament, these are the young guns who are living up to the surnames on the back of their threads:
KIEFFER ALAS, DLSZ
Alas has long been a household name in Philippine basketball with veteran coach Louie serving as trailblazer for his sons Junjun, Kevin, Kenneth, and now, Kieffer.
The youngest Alas, who's now starring for De La Salle Zobel, admits that he feels quite pressured carrying the surname, but also stated that he sees it more as a blessing.
The 17-year-old do-it-all guard is already making a name for himself after all, as he also played for Gilas Pilipinas Youth multiple times, the most recent being the FIBA Under-17 World Cup last year.
“They tell me to stay grounded, stay humble,” he said of the role of his family in his budding basketball career.
ZIV ESPINAS, Ateneo
Ziv, the 17-year-old dynamo of Ateneo, and Gabby Espinas, six-time PBA champion and one-time NCAA Rookie MVP, share not only being hefty lefties at the forward spot, but also an undying love for basketball.
After transferring from Lyceum, the 6-foot-3 big has become a stable force for the Blue Eagles, while his father is a playing head coach for MPBL team Caloocan Batang Kankaloo.
LIAM SALANGSANG, FEU-Diliman
Far Eastern University-Diliman has another sharpshooter on its hands in the form of 19-year-old Liam, the son of ex-PBA player Allan Salangsang .
The elder Salangsang played for Tanduay, Talk N Text, Ginebra, Coca-Cola, and Rain or Shine, before taking his talents to the international scene by joining the Indonesia Warriors in 2014.
“Tinuturuan niya ‘ko maging better na player, maging better na leader sa teammates ko,” Liam shared about his father's unwavering guidance.
TAYSHAUN MAIERHOFER, FEU-Diliman
Tayshaun, the 6-foot-3 forward also of the Baby Tamaraws, is the second-generation Maierhofer following the footsteps of his father Rico, who once suited up for San Miguel, Ginebra, Barako Bull, and GlobalPort.
Of course, Tayshaun said that playing with a familiar surname carries a lot of opportunities, but at the same time, challenges him to step his game up.
As he put it, “Kailangan ko pa rin magpakita and mag-perform. Hindi siya binibigay, ine-earn ‘yung spot ko.”
IVER NAPA, NUNS
The Napa-NU connection is stronger than ever with the coming of Iver, the son of former player and current coach of the Bulldogs, Jeff Napa.
“Mayroong pressure, pero yung pressure na ‘yon ‘yung nagpu-push sa akin para pag-igihan ko pa,” the younger Napa said, knowing full well the four championships his dad achieved during his tenure as Bullpups coach from 2011-2016.
Asked whether he wants to continue his collegiate career with his father in the blue-and-gold's seniors squad, Iver said that he's yet to make plans for his future, as his main priority is on the NU-Nazareth School's undefeated start.
ROJE MATIAS, NUNS
NUNS' 5-foot-10 guard Roje, son of PBA veteran and current Caloocan player Ronnie Matias, is also looking to help in the ninth championship for the Jhocson-based team.
While carrying the weight of his surname, Roje said that his father tells him to just focus on playing and not be discouraged by jeers of nepotism that goes his way.
“Pinapatunayan ko sa kanila na kaya kong dalhin yung apelyido ko at kaya kong gumawa ng sariling pangalan,” he exclaimed.
CHAMP AREJOLA, DLSZ
Joining the Jr. Archers’ list of second generation players is Champ Arejola who has also seen action for the U-16 national team.
The son of NorthPort governor Erick Arejola serves as a playmaker for DLSZ, and shared that his dad advises him to just stay confident and healthy.
“He’s been there to guide me, so I am thankful that he’s always there for me,” said the 18-year-old point guard.
KIO FAVIS, DLSZ
Before turning his attention to serving Paranaque, Binky Favis first shared himself to coaching where he spent 15 years in teams such as Pop Cola, Coca Cola, and Ginebra.
Now, the former University of Santo Tomas captain is passing on his wisdom to his son Kio, the 5-foot-11 guard for DLSZ.
Aside from fathers and sons, UAAP Season 87 is also seeing younger brothers taking on the mantle of shining for their surname
JOAQUI LUDOVICE, UST
While kuya Yvan Ludovice was once a loud and proud San Beda Red Lion, Joaqui is now growling as a UST Tiger Cub.
The younger Ludovice is the lead guard for the black-and-gold's second-running unit on the heels of his stint with Gilas Youth.
JAIME GOMEZ DE LIANO, UPIS
Following the lineage of the Gomez de Liaño cagers in the University of the Philippines is their younger brother Jaime, who plays forward at 6-foot-5.
“I can’t lie, I can feel the pressure with the standards of being a (GDL),” the youngest brother of Joe, Javi, Juan, and Jordi admitted.
But his brothers’ support spurs Jaime to give his best for the Jr. Maroons, just like they once did.
After being teammates in the UAAP, Javi and Juan went their separate ways on the international stage, as Javi is now playing for the Anyang Jung Kwan Jang Red Boosters and Juan sees action for the Seoul SK Knights in the KBL. Joe, meanwhile, is a mainstay in the MPBL, where Jordi is also hoping to break into.
JOHNKURL FIGUEROA, NUNS
Under Napa, National U is a team without star role players, but it's safe to say that versatile Jake Figueroa is the engine that drives the blue-and-gold's aspirations.
What's true for the Bulldogs can be said of the Bullpups as well, as their total team effort, including younger Figueroa Johnkurl, is fueling a blazing beginning to their redemption tour.
LIAM ACIDO, UST
As of right now, the name Acido is actually more connected with Perpetual, where Amiel won NCAA Juniors MVP en route to a historic finals apperance.
Now, however, there are two Acidos in Espana, with Amiel part of the Growling Tigers' young yet promising core, and Liam doing his part in the Tiger Cubs' continued contention.
JEDRIC SOLOMON, NUNS
Alyssa Solomon will be back for a back-to-back bid for the Lady Bulldogs in UAAP volleyball alongside Bella Belen and Lams Lamina.
Over in high school hoops, her brother Jedric stands alongside the Bullpups' tall, imposing frontline that is presently dominating the tournament.
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