For “Ball is Lifers” in Makati area, it may sound impossible if you have not heard of the Redoblado brothers. Adrian, Jonathan and EJ has been playing basketball since they were young and as the three brothers matured, they have carved a name for themselves in the streets and gyms of Makati and nearby mteropolis.
“Fours years na kaming tatlo magkakasama sa paglalaro ng basketball. Nauna making magkakampi si Kuya Awang (Jonathan) and Kuya Adrian. Nung 15 years old na ako, tinuruan na akong maglaro nina kuya. Nag varsity din po ako and talagang sa kanila ako kumukuha ng mga tipssa paglalaro ng basketball” shared Ej, the youngest of the Redoblado brood. “Si Papa nung kabataan nya magaling din magbasketball. Kaya sigurokahit papaano namana namin yung angking skills namin sa basketball sa kanya.”said Awang.
Different basketball leagues and street basketball type of games has honed the skills of the Redoblado brothers. Adrian, being the oldest has become the leader of Awang and EJ. Being the point guard of the team, he is the one usually dictating the tempo of the offence of their team. Always the man with the biggest heart, Adrian never backs out even of their opponents are usually bigger than their team. On the other hand, Awang is the all-around player of the Redoblado clan. A lean but mean player that stands 5’10 with a thin frame. But don’t be deceived because Awang like his brothers, will never back down from any game or even fights.
“Maganda kay Awang kasi mataas ang kanyang basketball IQ. Defensive player and para sa akin sya ang pinakamagaling na player”shared Ej. Tuwing kakampi ko mga kuya ko malakas ang loob ko dahil alam namin ang role na dapat gampanan para makatulong sa team” added Ej.
In the 1st season of Drew League Pilipinas 5’10″below, the Redoblado brothers of Wilson Elite, proved to be a force to reckon with beating the heavily favorite Jade Viejo, lead by Borre brothers Marlon and Marvin, Barrios Brothers, Jonathan and Jordan, with MPBL player Mac Mac Samonte and slashers Nino Romano and Mark Guteza headlining the superstar loaded team.
On the other hand, Wilson Elite has shown equilibrium in its team, with team manager Melchor Gonzalo and Coach Dick Gawat calling the shots. Three Kings Redoblado brothers Adrian, Awang and EJ together with Finals MVP Jimboy Deles and Season MVP Ton Ton Silva proved to the doubters that Wilson Elite means business.
“Dehado talaga kami sa Jade Viejo. Sa line up pa lang kitang kita na puro star players sila. Kaya simula pa lang ng game hindi kami nag petiks. Yung dalawa beses na talo nila sa amin sa elimination at semis eh parching tambak. Medyo nagkumpyansa siguro sila na tatambakan
ulit kami. Yung team naman namin, sinunod lang namin yunbg pinagawa ni Coach Dick. Nag focus kami at ginawa namin lahat ngdapat gawin para manalo” shared Ej.
With the Redoblado brothers forming the core of Wilson Elite expect the Gonzalo-led franchise not just a contender in the succeeding seasons of Drew League Pilipinas but also “ring collectors” that must be beaten by the increasing teams joining Coach Drew Bantug’s competitive league.
PHOTOS: MANG MIKE, Drew League Pilipinas Facebook
