Another Kobe for UP?

BACOLOD. Heinz Gabriel Kobe Demisana (5) posting against his Melchor Memorial School Inc. defender during the NBTC Regional Championships last March 2020 in Ibajay, Aklan. (Kobe Acuhin Demisana FB Photo)
BACOLOD. Heinz Gabriel Kobe Demisana (5) posting against his Melchor Memorial School Inc. defender during the NBTC Regional Championships last March 2020 in Ibajay, Aklan. (Kobe Acuhin Demisana FB Photo)

THE University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons already has one of the most celebrated hardcourt stars in the country -- Kobe Paras.

And, while our country is still dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, and as team sports yet to get the green light due to the increasing number of related cases, it did not stop school-based basketball making a stunning development during the lockdown.

The 6-foot 8" and 15-year-old Heinz Gabriel Kobe Demisana of Pontevedra town in Negros Occidental is most-likely moving to the Big City after the pandemic.

When asked if he has already committed himself to UP, the incoming Grade 10 cager told SunStar Bacolod that he is not yet sure because he hasn't enrolled yet. "Di pa ako na-enroll doon kasi nag-uusap pa yong UP and Bacolod Tay Tung High School. [I'm not yet enrolled because UP and Bacolod Tay Tung High School are still in talks]," he said.

Demisana added that he has yet to join any UP practices in Manila due to the current health situation. "[Maybe] If it's fully safe then that's the time I will be in Manila," he stressed.

The former Jr. NBA standout has a very successful and colorful playing career with the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts leading the team to capture the NBTC Regional Championships last March 2020 in Ibajay, Aklan and was supposed to represent the region in the NBTC national Finals a week later. Demisana is also part of the Negros Occidental secondary boys champions who were supposed to compete for the Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet in Kalibo, Aklan on the same month before the enhanced community quarantine was declared in the region.

When asked how he feels that he will soon be playing in a bigger school with a bigger crowd, Kobe replied that he is so blessed. "Malaking opportunity na 'yon. Gustong-gusto ko pong mag-Manila na because alam ko po na maraming challenges at alam ko na mahirap rin doon pero magamit ko po 'yong mga challenges na 'yon sa pag-improve ko. [It's already an opportunity. I already wanted to be in Manila because I know there are lots of challenges there and I know how hard it is but, I can use these challenges to improve myself]," he said.

Demisana also revealed that he has been preparing physically and emotionally.

"Physically, I already started developing my body strength 'cause I know that the players there are really tough. I also persevere to attain my goals," he said.

"Emotionally, I have to pray to God for guidance. I really need to sacrifice for my future and to help my family," he added.

Meanwhile, Demisana, who has great years with the Thunderbolts, said that among the things he has learned with the team are perseverance, team building, confidence, and trying to be a leader.

"I will surely miss and cherish my teammates and the memories with them, the travels to many places where we competed, and fun times with them. I will surely miss them because they are my family and they have a big part of my life," he stressed.

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