From former Filipino-American high school standout Kobe Paras to Gilas Pilipinas’ big man Kai Sotto, Andy Gemao is the latest player looking to propel his career to the next level. The former Letran Squire trades in his blue-and-red in a hopeful exchange for new threads, booking a tryout with Veritas Academy National Prep in Malibu, California.
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Culminating his probable one-and-done season at Letran, The 6’1” Iligan standout looks to continue his education at the Nike Elite High School. Gemao’s skill set flourished in his sophomore year, tallying 17.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game in the finals—an ideal last dance for the NCAA Season 98’s Finals Most Valuable Player.
Despite his short tenure under Head Coach Allen Ricardo, the Squires Junior’s mentor supports his high-flying guard’s international bid.
“Ang goal ko dito sa mga bata na ito is to take them to the next level, which is college, and eventually to the professional league. Siyempre as a coach, ang fulfillment ay makita ang mga players na umabot sa mas mataas na level,” he mentioned.
(My goal for my players is to take them to the next level (which is college) and eventually professionally. Witnessing their growth at the higher levels brings me a sense of fulfillment as their coach.)
From his stint with Abu Dhabi’s NBA Basketball Without Borders Asia-leg to bringing the title back to Intramuros after 22 years, Gemao’s extensive resume sets lofty expectations as the nation’s generational talent. Although with nothing set in stone for the 17-year-old, many may regard his raw athleticism, room for growth (literally and figuratively), and potential as presumptively “NBA bound.”
Whether retreating to the country or molding a career overseas, the opportunity to hone his craft among his class’ best should come in a heartbeat.
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Imagine 16 siya tapos ung skillsey niya screams rhenz abando… honestly if he makes the NBA… he might be a better representation of the Filipino hoop player kasi sakto lang height niya and good way to represent us tbh
— Jin (@Jikcdelacruz) September 20, 2023
Twitter @Jikcdelacruz
Andy Gemao is literally living every Filo hooper’s dream:
– can dunk
– go to NCAA/UAAP
– tryout for a US school under Nike Elite😭🫡🤍
— Hans Galeria (@hansgaleriaa) September 20, 2023
Twitter: @hansgaleriaa
I never thought we'd get an HS guard prospect better than Kief. Good luck to the kid!
— wew (@wewhype) September 20, 2023
Twitter: @wewhype
