MANILA – Western Visayas secondary boys’ basketball team guard John Elijah Luke Rose has attracted attention from schools based in Manila after his remarkable performance in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
According to WV team manager Eugene Chua, several coaches from UAAP and NCAA high school teams have reached out to him regarding the potential recruitment of the 15-year-old point guard.
“Sa totoo lang, ang dami nang nanliligaw sa bata…coming from UAAP and NCAA,” Chua said in an interview with DWAR Abante Radyo’s Sports Now program.
Chua, however, said that, instead of biting the offers, Rose himself wants to develop his skills further with the St. Robert’s International Academy Panda Rockets before moving to Manila.
“Halos lahat ng kilala nating coaches (sa Manila) they are eyeing Luke Elijah Rose, but nagpranka ako, even the parents, that the kid is not yet ready. Batang-bata pa po ito,” Chua said.
“Hintayin natin ‘yung right time na mahinog na talaga (‘yung bata) and that’s the time they will decide — the parents, si coach, and ‘yung bata — kung saan niya talaga gusto pumunta,” he added.
The Lezo, Aklan-native guard rose to fame in the recent Palarong Pambansa, where he anchored WV to upset victories against the National Capital Region in the quarterfinals and CALABARZON in the semifinals.
Western Visayas, however, failed to secure their first Palaro gold medal since 2000 after bowing to Davao in the championship match./PN
