RUBEN Mardoquio will join the influx of Western Visayas-based basketball players in Metro Manila as he is set to transfer to the Mapua Red Robins for the NCAA juniors tournament.
The Iloilo City native told Panay News about his decision to transfer to Red Robins, a runner-up in last year’s NCAA, from PAREF-Westbridge School for Boys.
“It is an overwhelming feeling and at the same time a dream come true for me to be able to play in a Manila-based school,” Mardoquio said. “Since I started playing basketball, ito na talaga iyong goal ko – ang makalaro sa Maynila.”
Mardoquio said he was recruited to join Red Robins after representing PAREF-Westbridge in the Wilson 3-on-3 basketball tournament national finals in Manila in May.
“I was playing in the 3-on-3 tournament when coach Michael Abad (of St. Mary’s Academy in Roxas) saw me and referred me to (Red Robins head coach) Randy (Alcantara),” Mardoquio said.
“Coach Randy saw me in practice and doon na po ako na-recruit,” he said.
“As part of the Mapua team, ang goal ko is to be their asset through my hard work in training and also to help the team in winning.”
Mardoquio is the latest Ilonggo player headed for the NCAA next season aside from Santa Clarita Primes’ Ralph Bajon, Jemar Cepriano, Wilmer Dalumpines, and Louewelle Cabasag, who will play for Perpetual Help Altalletes./PN
