FOR years, Luis Pablo and Seven Gagate have seemingly moved in parallel.
From their days at La Salle Green Hills, where they formed one of the most formidable duos in the NCAA juniors division, to separate stops at the University of the Philippines, their basketball careers have often intersected at key moments.
Now, the two find themselves wearing the same green and white once again - this time for De La Salle University.
“It’s a full circle moment,” Pablo said to SPIN.ph of finally sharing the floor with Gagate again at the collegiate level.
“Matagal na namin na inaantay itong opportunity na ito kami ni Seven. I think this is a perfect chance to show them na we can win it for La Salle.”
Green, Twin Towers
The reunion has been years in the making.
Back in NCAA Season 98, Pablo emerged as the league’s MVP for La Salle Green Hills, while Gagate played a key role in helping the Junior Greenies reach the championship round.
Though they ultimately settled for silver after a heartbreaking Finals defeat, the tandem left a lasting impression as two of the program’s brightest stars.
Their paths remained linked after high school when both committed to UP.
But the partnership never truly materialized in Diliman.
Pablo saw limited action during UAAP Season 86 before making the decision to transfer to La Salle while Gagate stayed longer with the Fighting Maroons, spending two seasons in UP before eventually making his own move back to Taft.
Only now are the two finally getting the chance to build on the promise they once showed together.
For Gagate, the familiarity is a major advantage.
“Palagi na rin naman kami magsasama. So, may chemistry na talaga,” he also said to SPIN.ph.
The chemistry, however, is only part of the equation.
Both players arrive at a crucial time for La Salle, which is looking to replace the production and leadership left behind by outgoing star Mike Phillips.
Pablo acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“Syempre, big responsibility din namin yun. Yung mga bago, to replace Mike," he said.
“Sa totoo lang, grabe yung [impact] ni Mike. So we’re trying to fill that gap na left behind ni Mike.”
Rather than focusing on expectations, Pablo said the emphasis has been on preparation through the offseason.
“Yung approach pa rin namin is the same. Kailangan namin mag-prepare talaga from this tournament, this off-season tournament to the UAAP.”
Gagate, meanwhile, enters the season with renewed appreciation after spending two years on the sidelines due to eligibility concerns.
“Ako din, eligible na ako this year. Two years din ako hindi nakalaro. So, I feel blessed na makalaro na this season.”
The highly touted big man understands the pressure that comes with returning to the court and joining a La Salle team expected to contend immediately.
Still, he embraces it.
“Pressure is privilege,” Gagate said.
“Lahat naman yung sinuman na pre-pressure dyan. Kailangan lang talaga namin yung overcome.”
Taller Heights
Having already experienced the jump from high school stardom to the college ranks, Gagate believes both he and Pablo are better equipped for the challenges ahead.
“The difference talaga is yung competition. Wala na kami sa high school. Kailangan namin mag-work hard pa, mag-tiyaga.”
Their careers may have taken different routes after their stay in Ortigas, but the destination ultimately turned out to be the same.
After years of waiting, transfers, and untapped potential, Pablo and Gagate finally have the opportunity they once envisioned - to chase championships together once more, this time under the bright lights of the UAAP.
For two players whose journeys have long been intertwined, the story has come full circle.
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