THE University of San Carlos (USC) Baby Warriors’ all-star wingman Nathaniel Montecillo is headed to Manila where he will play for the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) in the UAAP.
A talented two-guard from Asturias, the 16-year-old was one of the few bright spots of USC’s campaign in the high school basketball tournament of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) last year. For his tremendous efforts, he earned a spot in the high school all-star team.
His skill and talent certainly did not go unnoticed as he was recruited to join a UPIS squad that is looking for more firepower after finishing UAAP Season 82 with just one win against 13 losses.
“I’m so excited but at the same time nervous because we all know that basketball in Manila is different here in Cebu. I’m so blessed to have an opportunity to play in UAAP and to be part of the UPIS basketball team,” said Montecillo in a talk with SunStar Cebu.
“I’m also thankful to God, my family for all their support and to my coach, Coach K (Michael Cenabre) and Coach Moriah (Gingerich) because they are the ones who gave me this opportunity,” he added.
With the Cesafi’s 2020 season already scrapped, Montecillo said he chose to go to UPIS for its ability to provide him not just an opportunity in basketball but also academics.
Montecillo acknowledged that there will be plenty of challenges on this journey, especially being away from the comforts of home. But he added that he will just work harder to excel at this level.
“I will just trust God and myself. I will work hard and put in extra practice to hone my skills and follow the commands of my coaches and advice of my parents,” Montecillo said.
The youngster also expressed his gratitude to his coaches in USC, Teroy Albarillo and Sandi Grumo, as well as all his teammates, who he described as pivotal in helping him get to where he is right now.