The Ordonio boys

Retired PBA guard Jon Ordonio can’t help but be proud of his two boys, Kobe and Tahjae. The young guards have been storming through their school leagues in California, and are aching to do more. Kobe, who turns 20 in September, and Tahjae, who turns 18 next month, were both born in the Philippines, and hope to play for the Gilas Pilipinas national team. 

Kobe just completed his red shirt year at Gavilan College, a junior college which is ranked fifth in the state. Gavilan finished last season with 27 wins and only three losses. The excited father can’t wait to see his 6’1” first-born see action again.

“This will be the first time when Kobe is actually at the right age. His freshman year at Cabrillo two years ago, he was only 18,” beamed Jon, who played in the PBA for six years beginning in 1999. “His body is slowly developing and he’s gaining muscle weight, which is a good sign and he grew more. Cal Poly and San Jose State came to watch him last year, so he is on their radar. He broke records at Cabrillo in his freshman year and averaged 26 points versus the top team in California, San Francisco City College. He had 30 points in one game and 26 points in the Region Finals.”

Kobe averaged career highs in the three games against San Francisco City College. The 6’3” Tahjae, who will be rejoining his brother at Gavilan, just completed a historic season at Monterey High, his father’s alma mater. The team won two CCS championships in three years, and was one game away from a state title. 

“T ended up making 1st Team All-League and 1st Team All-County and team MVP,” gushed Jon who was on the team’s coaching staff through it all. “He turns 18 on June 6 and graduates from high school on June 7, so this is a bittersweet moment.”

The family is excited at the prospect of the brothers teaming up in the backcourt again. They are hoping that Gilas Pilipinas will also give the brothers a look. Best of all, the youngest Ordonio looks like he could outplay his elders.

“My youngest son is playing travel basketball right now and I coach his team,” Ordonio revealed. “He’s in the 5th grade, but plays with the 6th grade team. He may be one of the smallest kids out there, but he has the biggest heart and he will be better than his kuyas! They even admitted it.”

If things work out, we may someday see three Ordonios carrying the flag or making waves in the PBA.

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Today is the opening of the first Bill Velasco Broadcasting and Media Marketing Workshop. Rainchem has generously sponsored the project. Today, Rainchem also launches Raimol Titanium Fuel Saver fuel additive for gasoline and diesel engines to enhance engine life, and Raimol Tribofilm Oil Additive to reduce fuel and oil consumption.