DREAM goes on for Filipino prodigy Andy Gemao, who continues to explore opportunities to mold himself internationally, as he is now poised to play for the Royal Crown School in Toronto, Canada, this fall.
The kid who made a lot of noise in the NCAA Season 98 juniors’ basketball tournament by winning the Finals MVP award for the Letran Squires is now making his dreams come true abroad.
Photo Courtesy: Andy Gemao | Facebook
Around this time last year, he expressed his plan to try out for the Veritas Academy National Prep, which led to him staying in the United States of America last year to play multiple games for the squad.
Nonetheless, Gemao believes that overseas talent presented a significant challenge to him, revealing that he still has a long way to go. This prompted him to make the decision to pursue high school basketball in Canada.
Kyrie Irving-esque
Gemao, who led Gilas Pilipinas Boys Under-18 to a sweep of the FIBA U18 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers last month, impressed Fil-Can Nation Select’s executive director, Coach Ray Montaniel.
“He’s (Gemao) explosive and I love the way he moves. He’s very, very crafty. He reminds me of Kyrie (Irving). That’s kinda like who us and the coaching staff compared him to during his tryout at Royal Crown,” said Montaniel.
“He’s someone who can make some noise in the Ontario basketball scene. Probably the first full Filipino to make big moves in the OSV at the highest level. We’re really excited for him,” he added of the Filipino prodigy.
Meanwhile, the high-flying guard is delighted to play in Canada because it is a tranquil place for him. However, he noted that he is still adjusting to the temperature, which may get rather cold at times.
Seize the moment
Unlike his first stint in the US, the 18-year-old savvy guard will be accompanied by his family. Given how far he has previously been from his loved ones, combating homesickness can be difficult at times.
In this new chapter, he now has his family to back him throughout the process, as he is already eligible to play. Gemao has two years of high school eligibility remaining, and he intends to make the most of it.
“There’s a huge difference here compared to the Philippines. They’re (players) more skilled and almost all of them are strong. They don’t have loopholes. The support system is better because my family is here. I have the energy to compete more,” said Gemao.
The 2024 NBTC champion believes he can still improve his game given the level of competition. He believes there is no talent difference between Canada and the United States, and he promises to seize any opportunity.
“They [Royal Crown] have a full plan for me, and I’ll make sure to maximize that, as well as the opportunities provided by the coaches,” Gemao added, eagerly displaying his hunger for improvements.
Gemao is currently back in the Philippines to play for the Batang Gilas in the FIBA U18 Asia Cup, which will be held in Jordan from September 2 to 9.
