Perseverance pays off for PBA rookie

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Coffee’s Jerwin Gaco holds the distinction of being the only rookie to break into the ongoing PBA Fiesta Conference and for the 29-year-old forward who was snubbed in the 2005 draft, the long wait was worth it.

Gaco couldn’t believe it at first when Barako coach Junel Baculi offered a one-year contract and said he would be in the Energy Masters’ roster starting this conference.

Eventually, reality sunk in. He reported for practice and was welcomed by his former PBL teammates Chad Alonzo, Rob Reyes, Jojo Duncil and Al Vergara. And last Sunday, Gaco made his PBA debut, compiling two points, two rebounds, one blocked shot and four fouls in 14 minutes, as Barako downed Sta. Lucia Realty, 97-93, at the Araneta Coliseum.

“I was nervous and excited,” said Gaco yesterday. “It’s a dream come true for me. It’s what I’d been praying for. I never lost hope. I wasn’t drafted in 2005. I tried out for Red Bull and Purefoods but didn’t make it. I knew if I worked hard, I would someday play in the PBA.”

Gaco suited up for Polytechnic University then transferred to La Salle where he teamed with Mac-Mac Cardona, Joseph Yeo and Rico Maierhofer. The 6-1 1/2 forward played on one La Salle UAAP title team and brought his winning ways to the PBL where he was a fixture on Mikee Romero’s seven championship squads.

Through the years, Gaco earned a reputation as a hard-nosed defender with a championship tradition. In his first overseas trip in 1999, Gaco played on a national high school selection that captured the Nike Invitational crown in Taipei. Among this teammates were James Yap, Paul Artadi and Romero’s basketball operations director Erick Arejola. The prep team was coached by George Gallent and topped the US, Japan, Korea and two Taiwan squads for the title.

Gaco also saw action for the Philippine Patriots that recently won the inaugural Asean Basketball League (ABL) diadem. Never staying idle, Gaco even played for Laguna in Liga Pilipinas during the PBL offseason.

The eldest of four children, Gaco lost his parents before he turned 19. His father Jaime, a seaman, died of cancer at 35 in 1995 and mother Estrella succumbed to leukemia at 36 four years later. With his parents gone, the orphaned Gaco became the family breadwinner and used his basketball earnings to send his sisters Jeaneileen and Jamaica and brother J. R. to school.

“It would’ve been special if my parents were still alive and saw me in the PBA but I know they’re watching over me,” said Gaco. “My sisters and brother have all graduated, thanks to basketball. It’s been a long journey for me. I remember when I tried out for La Salle, I was so intimidated that I brought along my best friend Ricky Alcantara for moral support. When I was signed by Barako, I got lots of texts from friends. Sabi nila, it’s about time.”

Gaco said as an undersized forward, his work is cut out for him in the PBA. “I’m used to the PBL’s physical play,” he went on. “In the PBA, it’s not as physical. Hand-checking isn’t allowed. I’m adjusting. I’m spending extra hours working on my perimeter shots to improve my offense. I know I have to be in condition all the time. I’ve never suffered any major injury and for that, I thank the Lord. I’m praying for a long career in the PBA.”

Gaco said he learned a lot from previous coaches Franz Pumaren, Tonichi Yturri, Dindo Pumaren, Gallent and Louie Alas. With Baculi, he is reunited from their Harbour Centre days and said he’s looking forward to contributing to Barako’s cause in any way possible.

“Coach Junel wants us to play hard,” he said. “It’s a big challenge for our team and for me since I’m just a rookie. One of my responsibilities is to defend imports. It’s something I hope to prove – that despite my size, I can do it. I never want to lose. I’m just so happy I was given a chance to play in the PBA.”

Gaco lives alone in Sta. Mesa. When his parents passed away, he was cared for by his uncle Leonilo Gaco in San Mateo. He stays in close touch with his grandmother Choleng Andrade in Quezon and grandfather Jose Gaco in Montalban.

In his free time, Gaco bonds with his two daughters Kirsten Anne, 5, and Jillian, 2.

“I have so much to be thankful for,” said Gaco. “I have two wonderful kids. Every chance they get to watch me play, they’ll be there. I’ve worked hard for my family. I persevered. I went from league to league, trying to earn as much as I could to send my brother and sisters to school. Even during hard times, God has always provided.”

Gaco said playing at the Big Dome last Sunday gave him goosebumps. “I didn’t know if I would play against Sta. Lucia,” he said. “The rule is 12 to play plus the import and we’re 15 in the lineup. But coach Junel gave me a chance. I even finished the game on the court and we won so it was very memorable for me.”

Arejola said Gaco deserves what he worked hard for. “He belongs in the PBA,” he said. “Mr. Romero is very, very proud of him. He always knew that someday, Jerwin would make it to the PBA. I call him a rookie veteran because he has so much experience. He’s a leader on the floor. He plays with a lot of intensity and energy. He’s a player whom all coaches look for. More than anything else, he’s a good person. He takes care of his family. He’s generous, disciplined and hard-working.”