One big assist: Basketball champs train future MVPs in PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak culmination

Basketball stars from then and now came together at the third and last leg of PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak – a month-long series aimed to further celebrate the sport and the Filipinos’ love of the game.

 

On May 11 at the SM Megamall Activity Center, PBA champion players Rico Maierhofer, Cyrus Baguio, Jerwin Gaco, and Ryan Araña plus fellow titleholders from TNT Tropang Giga players Poy Erram and Gryann Mendoza led a basketball camp for young aspirants and a 3×3 tournament among National Basketball Training Camp alumni – a fitting culmination of its mission to inspire and influence the youth while entertaining and connecting to fans and enthusiasts on the ground.

 

“The future of Philippine basketball is bright right now. I see so many young players that have the drive to level up their game, and that’s so exciting to see,” Rico Maierhofer said. “It’s great to have events that connect to different basketball-loving cities across the country. And it’s an even better experience to guide young players.”

 

The young players also showed their teamwork and communication, Ryan Araña noticed. “The difference between a good team and a great one is communication. If you have it locked in, you’ll always have a chance to win.”

 

“Defense wins championships, and communication plays a huge role. Teamwork is about sticking to your role to help push everyone to become better,” Jerwin Gaco also agreed.

 

Part of De La Salle University’s successful teams in the 2000s, Maierhofer, Araña, and Gaco ended up having solid professional careers. Maierhofer is a former UAAP Champion, and two-time PBA champion; Araña is a defensive specialist with two PBA championships; and Gaco won UAAP, PBA, ASEAN Basketball League, Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, and Pilipinas Super League championships throughout his career.

 

After the training camp, all six players joined in a 3×3 tournament headlining National Basketball Training Camp alumni – who then showcased their talent and potential in highly competitive sets. The pro athletes would do the honor of awarding the young champions at the end of the finals.

 

“We’re more than delighted to see the future unfold right before our eyes,” said Cyrus Baguio, who hails from Iligan City before making a name for himself with University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP. He then went on to become a three-time PBA champion before retiring from the league in 2021.

 

Meanwhile, Gryann Mendoza and Poy Erram especially recognize the value of having a solid foundation in the youth ranks. Erram was a part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ UAAP title-winning teams from 2010 to 2012. Mendoza was a team captain for the FEU Tamaraws and led the squad to multiple UAAP Final Four appearances.

 

For PBA 3×3 star Mendoza, good systems create on-court leaders. “Being a former team captain, having a good coach greatly improves your leadership skills,” he said.

 

“As a young player, having a good system is crucial to helping you develop into the best player that you can be,” seconded Erram. “The good thing nowadays is that kids can easily look online for any kind of information – and inspiration – about the sport! They can start researching techniques and skills with the power of the internet, while learning about the journeys of their sports idols.”

 

During the exhibition games at the Activity Center, the PLDT Store simultaneously saw action – with select PLDT Home customers meeting the star players for some fun games and fan interaction. Players and fans alike saw the store all decked out in basketball paraphernalia as part of the festive sports theme.

 

“The PLDT Home Fiber Fastbreak series has become an amazing homecoming of basketball players, connecting them not just back to their provincial roots but with some of the most passionate sports communities in the country. With the final leg in Manila, this feels like a culmination of our basketball journey where players and fans can gather, and share their love of the game,” said Patrick S. Tang, PLDT Home First Vice President for Consumer Management.

 

“PLDT continues to connect everyone in the country by providing the most reliable internet service.

For only Php 2099, the new PLDT Fiber Home Promo allows customers to enjoy unlimited Fiber with speeds of up to 400 Mbps with a complimentary one-month NBA League Pass access. Sports fans can catch more live playoff games, more unforgettable moments in the NBA – and more, through this plan. This makes a great service for sports enthusiasts and regular consumers alike – giving connectivity that supports all kinds of passions.”

 

The previous legs in Cebu and Davao last April bannered homegrown star players from each region reconnecting with their roots. Last April 20, to launch the series, Carl Tamayo and Calvin Oftana of Gilas Pilipinas and Roger “RR” Pogoy TNT Tropang Giga visited their native Cebu with Kib Montalbo. Last April 27, Davaoeño Gryann Mendoza TNT teammates from Cagayan De Oro Poy Erram and Glenn Khobuntin and Jayson Castro flew to Davao.

 

Inspired by Filipinos’ undeniable love of the game and just in time for the NBA Playoffs, PLDT Home is offering a promo for new Fiber customers. From April 1, 2024 to May 31, 2024, new applicants of the Fiber Unli All 2099 plan will be awarded a complimentary one-month NBA League Pass they can use to catch more live games and moments right inside the comforts of their home.

 

Get your basketball fix and catch more NBA action with NBA League Pass via PLDT Home. Sign up for a PLDT Home Fiber Unli All 2099 plan and above to enjoy a complimentary one-month NBA League Pass subscription!

 

To learn more, visit https://pldthome.com/fiber.

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