MANILA, Philippines — Laela Mateo, 15, headlines a bevy of US-based Filipino players making heads turn in the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) with hopes of cracking the Gilas Pilipinas roster – soon.
“If I have a chance, I want to play and represent the Philippines in the international competition. It’s a dream I shared with my father, so I try my best to make it there,” said Mateo.
A Grade 9 student at Franklin High School in Sacramento, California, Mateo has made her mark in front of local sports agents, coaches, officials, and especially NBTC chairman Eric Altamirano.
Standing at 5-foot-7 who can play point guard and shooting guard, Mateo led her squad in a slim 45-46 defeat to local team Young Queen before posting 13 points highlighted by the dagger in a 49-46 win over Filipino-Canadian squad Game Ville Center.
“I’ve got to play my best. I hope I can make it to the Gilas team,” said Mateo, mentored by Brian Ramos who has her vote of confidence for a potential Gilas goal.