ONE of the promising point guards out of Season 93 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association junior champion La Salle-Greenhills is Jacob Lao.
A 17-year-old graduating player, who will leave high school with a memorable year after becoming part of the Baby Blazers’ first NCAA junior cinderella title run recently, Lao is preparing for his next step when he goes to college to study a business-related course and pursue his basketball career.
“I learned how to become a dedicated person in improving my craft. I played with a lot of heart in high school and I’m happy to be part of this championship. I think playing in college is challenging, but I’m ready to play anywhere, wherever the opportunity comes,” said the combo guard Lao, who idolizes Jeff Chan and Kobe Bryant.
Averaging 4.5 points in 18 games, Lao came up with eight points in support to Joshua David’s 27 points and Joel Cagulangan’s 19 points as they led De La Salle Greenhills to a slim 75-74 win over Mapua last Friday in a sudden-death Game 3 finals as they captured the junior crown.
“In my junior years, I learned the importance of teamwork and perseverance,” added Lao. “I’m hoping I can use this high school experience when I play in college. Right now, I’m working very hard to improve my speed, ball handling, passing, shooting and defensive ability,” he added.
Anton “Brody” Brodette, the assistant coach of La Salle-Greenhills, believes the 5’8” Lao has what it takes to become an effective leader on the floor because of his leadership, skills and high basketball IQ despite being small.
“The kid is a fighter. He (Lao) doesn’t like to give up and I think he’s going to be a big asset to any team in college,” said Brodette, who was Lao’s first coach in La Salle high school. “He is also an excellent defender and very coachable. He can play the 1-2 spot for sure.”