Filipino hoopsters in World Masters

FILIPINO basketball players 45 years old and up are going to put on their high cut shoes once more to represent the Philippines in the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei.

Former national team players like Estong Ballesteros and Oliver Agapito as well as Gherome Ejercito will have an opportunity of donning the Philippine colors again after nearly three decades.

Ballesteros, who played for three championship teams in the PBA with Coca-Cola and Barangay Ginebra, saw action alongside several stalwarts led by Romel Adducul in the 1996 team that lost a heartbreaking final match against Indonesia in the Southeast Asia Basketball Association tournament in Surabaya.

Ejercito was also a part of the 1996 national squad but with the Philippine under-22 team.

A player coming from a family of politicians and actors, Ejercito also won a championship in the pro ranks with the Pampanga Dragons in the Metropolitan Basketball Association. He also suited up for the San Juan Knights before moving to the PBA to play for TNT, FedEx, Red Bull Barako and Rain or Shine.

Agapito was a member of the 1998 Seaba champion team that had its redemption campaign in Manila.

It didn't come as a surprise to see how elated Ballesteros and Agapito were when they learned that they're going to play for the Philippine quintet anew, this time in the age group world division.

"I played (for the Philippine team) in 1996, before I turned pro," said Ballesteros.

"I played with Romel Adducul, Danny I (Ildefonso). It's a great experience because you are carrying the Philippines. It's a privilege to carry the Philippine flag once more. What we ask for our countrymen is support. We also thank those people who continue to trust us."

Ballesteros is excited to reunite with his long-time teammate, Agapito, whom he played with in the MBA for the Pangasinan Waves.

For Agapito, representing the country at this stage in his career, caught him by surprise.

"We played at Ninoy Aquino Stadium before in 1998. I played with Adducul and Ildefonso and we won the tournament. The late Dong Vergeire was our coach," added Agapito.

"We were invited by Boss Rey Punongbayan. It's been awhile since I last played competitive basketball, but to be given another opportunity is a great privilege."

Aside from Ballesteros, Agapito and Ejercito, the other players seeing action for the national team include Associate Justice Jose Midas Marquez and former PBA players Roger Yap, Marlon Basco and Gilbert Malabanan, Michael Paglinawan, Milo Bonifacio, Ricky Ricafuente, Edwin Manabat, Paul Reguera, Roland Bulig, Arvin Aguila, Guiness Nabung, and Romel David.

Arlene Rodriguez will coach the team and team manager is architect Rey Punongbayan.

PBA legend Alvin Patrimonio will be the delegation's flag bearer.

The squad is also being supported by the Philippine Sports Commission.

The games will be held from May 17-30.