Another Filipino-American recruit, known to be a versatile guard from Delaware, is joining the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Season 86 of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
His stint with the Blue Eagles became clear after the 17-year old Kyle Gamber committed to play for the Loyola dribblers following a series of talks with coach Tab Baldwin.
The 6’4” Gamber, who is described as an all-purpose guard, has reportedly worked with renowned NBA skills coach DJ Sackman in improving his game during his developmental years.“Kyle is an all-purpose guard. And he is a big guard at 6’4″, 6’5”. He is a guy who is comfortable with the ball
in his hands. But he’s a guy who understands the game and has great vision,” said Baldwin before the team left Manila Sunday as Ateneo gets ready to see action in the World University Basketball Series.
Gamber discussed his stint with the Blue Eagles following a huddle with scribes on Zoom on Saturday evening.His commitment with the team was secured a day before the Blue Eagles landed in Tokyo late Sunday in time for their games in the WUBS, which will be held next week.
Gamber, who was born in Maryland and raised in the state of Delaware, studied at Polytech High School. He traces his Filipino roots from his dad Dave from Cagayan de Oro and mom Glynn from Cebu City.
“Talks with coach Tab made me further my interest in playing for Ateneo. And it was a perfect for me,” said Gamber.
The Blue Eagles, who will have six games in Japan, will have three veterans in Dave Ildefonso, BJ Andrade and Angelo Kouame graduating after season 85.They and will play round-robin matches against Japan’s Tokai University, Chinese Taipei’s National Chengchi University and Indonesia’s Universitas Pelita Harapan.
So far, the Blue Eagles are in a rebuilding mode after SJ Belangel, Tyler Tio, Gian Mamuyac, Jolo Mendoza, and Troy Mallillin graduated at the end of season 84.
Among the new faces for the Blue Eagles this October are Kai Ballungay, Ice Danting, and Godslove Nwadube.