Burying the hatchet, Rosete and Chua extend the hand of friendship

CEBU, Philippines - Theirs could be a friendship that will blossom out of the manner they least expected.

After being involved in a hardcourt fiasco during their game in the 16th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. men's basketball tournament two weeks ago, Justin Jake Rosete of the University of the Visayas Baby Lancers and Andre Chua of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles have patched things up with fervent hopes that all what had happened is now 'water under the bridge'.

Rosete stirred a controversy after a photo of him that appears to be locking up the neck of Chua during a mad scramble for the loose ball in their September 4 match won by the Magis Eagles via lopsided 74-45 decision went viral on social media.

There was a non-call in the particular sequence of play, but the combo of photos splashed on Facebook led to Rosete's suspension in UV's remaining four games in the elimination round.

Rosete has since then showed remorse for his moment of indiscretion and in an admirable display of true sportsmanship, the 17-year-old wingman from Davao City took the effort to personally ask for forgiveness to Chua.

"Rosete asked for forgiveness and was accepted with open arms. It all ends well," said Andre's father Benedict Chua, a longtime patron of Cebu basketball who once owned Island Feed Mills and Upland Feeds in the commercial circuit.

"We first wanted to keep it to ourselves but I eventually decided to let the people know because in fairness to Rosete, he showed some respect. He made an effort to contact Andre and also to find a way to ask forgiveness. It was a good gesture and also Andre received him with open arms. We hope that all this will make Cebu basketball better than ever."

"I can see that Rosete is a good kid. I just hope that the coaches can guide him further to become the best person he could possibly be,"added Chua.

For his part, Rosete is glad that everything is over now.

"I am deeply sorry for what I have done, to Andre (Chua), to the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo community and to all Cebu basketball  fans. That wasn't not kind of image UV Basketball wants to portray. It's just so happen that I've been in that particular situation, but I really mean no harm to my fellow players," said Rosete.

"Life must go on and it's not too late to make amends. I am looking forward to wearing that white and green jersey once again, this time not only with renewed vigor but also with utmost sense of pride and dignity as we pursue our goals this season," added the promising Davaoeño cager.

With both parties extending the hand of friendship, UV Basketball team manager Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas, Jr.  has one thing to say:"Hopefully everything will go up from here for the Baby Lancers". (FREEMAN)