MANILA, Philippines - Upstaging high school stalwarts Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena and reigning UAAP MVP Hubert Cani of National U makes John Vincent Gallego a top collegiate prospect next year. But the Chiang Kai Shek hotshot said his focus is on helping deliver more victories for the Blue Dragons.
Gallego put on a superb all-around performance to power Chiang Kai Shek past reigning UAAP champion National U, 88-80, in the Seaoil NBTC national finals which featured the country’s leading high school squads recently.
Son of a former Mapua cager, Gallego capped his stellar stint with 32 points, including 11 in the payoff period that frustrated the Bullpup.
The title romp did not only stake Chiang Kai Shek College’s claim as one of the country’s top high school teams in the country but also established the 5-foot-10 Gallego, who honed his talent and skills under coach Goldwyn Monteverde, as one of the bright collegiate prospects next year.
Gallego, 15, went on to win the most outstanding player award, humbling a number of marquee players, including Ravena and Cani.
Joel Yap, his former elementary coach, was hardly surprised by his ward’s success, saying he had seen him play when he first joined the tryout five years ago for the school.
“He has metamorphosed into one complete player, he now has a pull-up jumper. He’s the young version of Kiefer Ravena so watch out for him,†said Yap. “He has still one year left to play for us so expect him to reap more awards.â€
Chiang Kai Shek College’s victory was also a follow up to the school’s win in the Best Center National Twin Tournaments where it beat University of San Carlos of Cebu in the Passarelle Division late last year.