Fresh from helping the NLEX Road Warriors win the title in the Batang PBA 15-and-under categrory, Liam Jaymalin is leaving for Vancouver, Canada next month in the hope of fulfilling his dream – playing in the PBA someday.
The 14-year-old, 5-foot-7 Jaymalin played a key role in NLEX’s campaign in the Batang PBA that saw them prevail, 102-85, over the TNT KaTropa in a performance that is likely to boost his confidence as he resumes his studies in Canada.
Of course, his other plan is to improve his craft, especially his outside shooting.
Jaymilin, who played for the La Salle Antipolo basketball team, is hoping to join the basketball squad of St. Patrick Regional Secondary School where he was enrolled by his parents as a Grade 9 student.
“He’ll study and train in Canada, hopefully for a better career in basketball,” said the player’s father Rjay Jaymalin. “Since all of us are already here, including his three siblings who are all Canadian citizens, we decided to bring Liam to study here and at the same time be able to train.”
“Here, as parents, we’ll be able to guide him and see his progress as a basketball player. Our hope is if he returns to our country, he’ll comeback as a better player,” added the elder Jaymalin, who played college ball for Mapua and Jose Rizal University.
Jaymalin has joined several training camps, including the National Basketball Training Center (NBTC), the Jr. NBA and the Alaska Power Camp where he won two Most Valuable Player Awards. His favorite players are Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I hope to play in the professional league like my idols. I’m looking forward to improving my skills in Canada,” said the young Jaymalin.
