Gerald Anderson to suit up for Holy Trinity Wildcats in Filoil

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao isn’t the only son of General Santos City who is dabbling in basketball. One of the prodigal sons of the Tuna Capital of the Philippines will most likely suit up for his hometown college basketball team.

Actor Gerald Anderson, who first made a name for himself in the reality television show Pinoy Big Brother and other teleseryes, might suit up for the senior Wildcats team schedule permitting this coming school year.

According to Wildcats coach Pol Torrijos, Anderson will play for the HTC this coming Saturday, May 17, when the Mindanao-based team goes up against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the San Juan Arena. Tip-off for the match is slated for 2:15 p.m.

The 5’10” Anderson played both the point and shooting guard positions with Holy Trinity College’s champion high school teams from 2006-08 in local tournaments.

“I am not sure if he is in playing shape,” said Torrijos. “But his presence whether on the court or not will give our team a morale boost.”

Anderson was reported to be going to Ateneo to try his luck with the Blue Eagles in 2011, but going to school and playing basketball in Loyola Heights clashed with his showbiz schedule. He scrimmaged against the Blue Eagles team that was going for a four-peat that year in the UAAP and Anderson showcased his shooting and dribbling skills.

Torrijos confessed that he doesn’t know if Anderson will be able to really suit up for his Wildcats when the local leagues tip off in June. But one thing is for sure, Anderson will wear his familiar number #16 again. At least this Saturday.

Anderson is said to provide support for his alma mater’s teams. 

The schedule for the Filoil matches this Saturday include St. Clare College tangling with FEU at 12:30 p.m. and UE battling JRU at 4 p.m. Tickets to the match are available at SM TicketNet and at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The preseason collegiate basketball tournament is sponsored by Flying V, Filoil, Total, Hanes, San Miguel Corporation, Starmobile, Timex, Silverworks, Gatorade, LGR and in part by Meralco, BDO, Reyes Barbecue, Douwe Egberts, Gerry’s Grill, Brothers Burger, Molten, Bayo, Oxycan, BPI, PBCom, RFM, San Marino, Red Logo and Bacchus Energy Drink.