Japeth Aguilar, Kobe Paras, and Kai Sotto all have failed in their pursuit to be the first Filipino to reach the NBA. However, one young prospect has been making noise recently after being given the chance to make his mark in the U.S. – Andy Gemao. At 17 years old, Gemao has already got next. Could he answer every Filipino’s dream and become the first Pinoy to play in the NBA?
Who is Andy Gemao?
Apl Mcandrei “Andy” Gemao is a basketball prospect from the Philippines who started going viral due to his wild in-game dunks and extreme athleticism. Gemao was born in Surigao City, Philippines, on June 26, 2006. At only the age of 4, Andy had already started learning basketball. Slowly, he became the star he is now.
Gemao most recently played high school basketball for the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Squires. Last year, he helped the school win the NCAA Season 98 Finals championship. Subsequently, Andy won the Finals MVP after sweeping La Salle Green Hills.iin his one-and-done stint with Letran, he posted 18.91 points, 7.09 rebounds, 2.91 assists, and 2.18 steals per game.
Not only did the young cager make waves in the Philippines, but the youngster also got the attention of international scouts after appearing in the 2022 FIBA Under-16 Asian Championship. Moreover, Gemao was also invited to the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders training camp in Abu Dhabi, UAE. At only 17 years old, Gemao’s career already skyrocketed. His fellow countrymen hope he could be the first-ever pure-blooded Filipino to play in the NBA. Right now, the athletic point guard stands at 6’0”.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CtEN7QIyfII/?img_index=1
Andy Gemao leaves the Philippines to train in the U.S.A.
Just this month, we learned that Andy Gemao is leaving Letran High School and will head to the United States. Despite signing a two-year contract in Letran, the 17-year-old prodigy was allowed to leave the roster and continue his training on American soil.
Andy Gemao is headed to the United States to play HS Basketball.
According to Tiebreakertimes, the 6 foot phenom is bound to attend and play for Veritas Academy National Prep, a Nike Elite High School located in Malibu, California
Goodluck Andy
Make us all proud #andygemao pic.twitter.com/ykuQUZ9Ctf
— RAIN Sports (@RAINSportsph) September 20, 2023
It was reported that Gemao would be trying out for a spot in the Nike Elite High School Veritas Academy National Prep in Malibu, California. If the Filipino star impresses the team, he will receive a full two-year scholarship. However, he has to undergo a lot of training and assessments before they reach an agreement. If this plan pans out, Andy Gemao would proceed to play in Division 1 collegiate basketball and continue his pursuit to play in the NBA one day.
On the other hand, the high-flying guard had the chance to work out with four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson. Just hours after landing in California, Gemao and his personal coach, Charlie Max Torres (who also trains Klay), immediately went to work. He still has a long way to go, but everyone is rooting for his success.
the real work starts now pic.twitter.com/MmhCQj5IXV
— Andy Gemao (@andy_gemao) September 22, 2023
Andy Gemao has workout with Klay Thompson#ReadMore >> https://t.co/GBmDnIZiQu pic.twitter.com/kHBDts69Ow
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) September 23, 2023
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