UC players get to train with Curry in Korea

The University of Cebu high school basketball squad is in high spirits as the opportunity of having two of its players and coach learn from and play with twotime NBA MVP Stephen Curry in South Korea has come.

Coach Joevir Samonte and players John Bryl Cuyos and Virlou Orquez were sent by Under Armour to be part of Curry's basketball clinic and mini-basketball game in Seoul last July 27.

"The mishap of the FIBA Asia 3x3 is a blessing in disguise because we were able to send UC to Korea to join Stephen Curry's basketball clinic and mini-game. We wanted to bring inspiration to the basketball community and UC is the best example of our thrust," Christine Majadillas of One of A Kind Marketing, the marketing arm of Under Armour in the Philippines, said.

UC won the UA 3x3 tournament last April but instead of being considered for the Philippine Team to the Fiba Asia U18 3x3 Cup in Malaysia, they were snubbed at first by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, who then invited one player to become part of the National Team.

UC team manager Atty. Baldomero Estenzo revealed the shabby treatment his team experienced in the National Finals in Manila.

Samonte, on the other hand, will be utilizing what he learned from the drills and coaching tips from Curry.

"I shared with the players the message of Curry that there is no shortcut to success. You have to work hard, continue to practice in order to be successful. And most of all self- discipline, which I am proud to say, are things that UC players possess," Samonte stressed.

According to Majadillas, UA's commitment is just starting.

They are planning for a continuing grassroots program for the next five years to identify athletes worthy of the international arena.

Majadillas announced that the 3x3 tournament will continue but will no longer use the services of the previous organizer.