Red Robins Enjerico John Diego (left), NCAA Mythical 5 and Most Defensive Player, and Justin Oliver Serrano, Most Improved Player.
Malayan High School of Science’s basketball team, Red Robins, has been a formidable force in the Juniors Division of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Basketball Tournament. These young cagers gave some of the most impressive and memorable games of the last season, making them one of the most promising athletes to look forward to. And as the 88th Season came to a close last September, two of its members were recognized for their outstanding performance.
Although both were surprised and doubtful upon hearing the news, Enjerico John J. Diego, 6’4”, center/forward, part of the NCAA Mythical 5 and Most Defensive Player, and Justin Oliver M. Serrano, 6’2”, forward, NCAA Most Improved Player, knew how much they worked hard for every match in the league.
“We were so serious about the tournament. Almost all of our free time during the entire season was dedicated to our practice, which was every day,” said Serrano. “We really wanted to do better than we did last year.”
Like in the previous seasons of the NCAA, the Red Robins dealt with so much pressure this year. Having a big goal in mind required them to be in tip-top shape all the time.
“We had to keep our focus, especially when we were battling for a spot in the Top Four. The everyday practice was really exhausting, but we had to improve and outdo ourselves every time. We have to give our best in every game,” said Diego.
Such passion and determination has made Diego and Serrano stand out and win games not only in the NCAA but also in other sporting events and competitions in and out of the country.
Separately, Diego and Serrano played for teams that won in major Philippine basketball leagues, formed part of national teams that competed in Asian games, and got selected to participate in basketball camps organized by the premier international basketball league.
Get to know more of these athletes with some of the facts about them in the following Q&A.
How did your love for basketball begin and when did you start training as competitive players?
Jeric: My family introduced me to basketball. My grandfathers played before. It was their hobby. When I was a kid, I played and started joining leagues in the barangay. My proper training began only after I transferred at MHSS in 2010, under coach Randy Alcantara.
Justin: It was also my family who introduced me to the sport. It has been their favorite. My grandfather was so into it. He coached several teams in Pampanga and would bring to his every game to watch. Eventually, I started liking basketball, getting familiar with the moves and learning the technicalities. My proper training started when I was in Grade 5 under Coach Randy as well.
Is it really your dream to play basketball professionally someday?
Jeric/Justin: Yes.
Who are you looking up to among the basketball stars in the PBA or NBA?
Jeric: In the PBA, I really admire Benjie Paras. I like his moves. In the NBA, Dwight Howard is my idol.
Justin: Of course, James Yap in the PBA. From the NBA, it’s Hakeem Olajuwon.
When you started training under Coach Randy, were you already good players?
Justin: No. There were so many things that I still had to learn. Coach Randy guided me, taught me how to shoot and dribble the ball properly and also to keep the ball from the opposing team.
Jeric: What Coach Randy would always tell us, even until now, was to keep on practicing for us to be able to keep on improving.
If you were to rate yourselves now, how good are you in basketball?
Justin: Among high school varsities, I think I am an 8.
Jeric: Me too.
Do you play other sports?
Justin/Jeric: No.
Apart from your recent awards at the NCAA, what are your other achievements so far?